The Coromandel Heritage Trust was formed in 2003 to establish THE TREASURY,
a purpose-built archive and family history centre in Thames, New Zealand. The Treasury preserves and promotes
the history and stories of the people in this region - a region which
played such a big part in the early development of New Zealand.
The Treasury houses an ever-growing collection of resources relating to the early history of Thames and the entire Coromandel Region.
For the historical researcher, we have a large collection of history books and historical manuscripts as well as many resources to help
research your family history, such as newspapers, magazines, photographs, Jubilee books, family records and certificates.
THE TREASURY is now open for visitors and researchers.
OPEN: 11.00am - 3.00pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday. EXCEPT: Public holidays, and between Xmas & New Year.
The Treasury, 705 - 709 Queen Street, Thames.
GOLDRUSH ONLINE Please visit this new webpage, which incorporates the original Goldminer's Database
developed by Kae Lewis. This is a searchable database of the names of approximately 34000 goldminers, most of them being those who arrived in
Thames between 1867 and 1872 and took out a Miner's Right. The rest are 6471 gold miners who were the first to arrived at Gabriel's Gully
(Otago) in 1861. Further information about goldmining and details of the Goldminer's Database is available on the new webpage.
Next year, 2011, marks 150 years since the first gold rush to Otago, New Zealand in 1861. This new webpage marks the Sesquicentennial
by drawing attention to these intrepid miners who spread throughout NZ in search of gold over the next 10 years (1861 - 1872). These miner's played
a very important role in the development of early New Zealand by accumulating a wealth of gold at a time when New Zealand was struggling
financially. Subsequently, when the miners left the gold fields and began spending their money, the wealth trickled down to all settlers in New
Zealand.
By the year 2017, we at The Treasury must be ready to celebrate the 150 year anniversary of the opening of the Gold Field at Thames in
August 1867 by the father of Thames, James Mackay Jnr.
SEARCH THE TREASURY WEBSITE:
JOIN THE COROMANDEL HERITAGE TRUST:
We encourage everyone, near and far, to join as a member of the Trust and to be a part of this great effort to preserve our heritage. Our running costs are
ongoing and, since we do not receive any regular funding, we are dependant on entry fees, subscriptions and donations to cover them. To become a member,
download an application form, fill it out and send it together with your subscription to The Coromandel Heritage
Trust, PO Box 75, Thames 3540, New Zealand. A special Trust newsletter called Footprints will then keep you abreast of all the new developments and the many
ways in which you could help.
History of the Carnegie Free Library in Thames
The original foundation stone for The Carnegie Free Library was laid in 1905 by James McGowan, the Minister of Mines and Justice.
Andrew Carnegie was a United States steel magnate and philanthropist who contributed £2000 to build a library for the people of Thames.
The contractor, J Fyfe and Sons built the Library for £1964. It was one of only three remaining Carnegie Libraries in New Zealand
when it last closed its doors in 1990.
Pictured above is the newly built Carnegie Free Library in 1905. Today it is a New Zealand Historic Places Trust Category II building.
