Right here stands Farrington House. It is now home to the Birkenhead Historical Society Museum. The museum safeguards Birkenhead’s captivating past.
The Birkenhead Historical Society formed in 1979. Enthusiastic people wanted to preserve local history. They wanted to pass it on to future generations.
Initially, artifacts were displayed in Cliff Utting’s old dairy. It was known as the “Little Museum.” This was about 50 meters from where we are now. This area once consisted of strawberry fields and gardens. Later, it was subdivided for houses, the War Memorial Park and bush reserves.
The present Birkenhead Historical Society Museum sits on an old ensilage pit. Anne Farrington gifted a house. Her family had lived there for four generations. It needed relocation.
In 1993, the council leased this site to the society. It is located just outside the War Memorial Park gates. Dedicated members spent countless hours restoring Farrington House. It was named after Edward Farrington. He served as the long-standing president of the Society.
The Birkenhead Historical Society Museum officially opened on December 21, 1997.
The Birkenhead Historical Society plays a vital role. It fosters children’s interest in their heritage. The museum opens for school classes by arrangement. Society members are on hand to answer questions. They share stories of early times in the district.
The Birkenhead Historical Society hosts monthly functions. These include interesting speakers on historical themes. They also organize bus trips to historical places. The society participates in Auckland Council’s annual Heritage Festival. This celebrates and shares the city’s rich heritage.
The Birkenhead Historical Society Museum contains fascinating artifacts. Precious documents from the area’s past are here. It is open to the public every second and fourth Sunday of the month. The hours are from 2 pm to 4 pm.
The Birkenhead Historical Society warmly welcomes new members. Anyone enthusiastic about preserving Birkenhead’s history is encouraged to join.