Local History on Display
 

Local History on Display

Do you have German ancestry or a German name? Chances are, if your German forebears came to New Zealand between 1842 and 1869 they landed in Nelson. The Moutere Inn History Marquee at the Sarau Festival  contains a display of early settlement in the Moutere Valley with interesting history panels, loads of folders and local historians on hand to discuss the early English and German settlements in the Moutere.  Bring along your questions, photographs, family trees and memorabilia, or just join us for a chat.

This marquee is always one of the favourites at the Sarau Festival so make sure you allow time to browse, and if you cannot make it to the Festival remember that the historic Moutere Inn has lots of old photos and documents on display.

page-113
James Harvey, Licensee, and his inn at Upper Moutere, late 19th century.’ (from the Eileen Thawyley collection)
page-107
The wedding party on the verandah of the cob and shingle Heine house, 14 November 1877. The brides wore black with white veils and sashes.’ (from the Carl Heine collection)

The valley was also developed by early English settlers and an article about the fabulously restored Somerset Cottage can be found here.

Alongside the history panels and the family records will be books for sale (at a special festival price) tracing the important history of this valley:

“The Road to Sarau – From Germany to Upper Moutere” by Jenny Briars and Jenny Leith

“A Versatile Community – The History of the Settlers of Central Moutere” by George McMurtry

“The Extended Community” – by George McMurtry