Anzac Day 2021

This year’s Anzac Day was especially poignant. Having spent last year’s commemorations in lockdown, the museum wanted to do something extra special to showcase the collection in the weekend leading up to Anzac Day celebrations.

Our key focus was to spotlight the collection, so we included a ‘Q & A’ with curators and developed behind the scenes tours in the Textiles, Archives and Heraldry collection storage areas.

These activities were supported with personal guided tours of the museum and a static display of a large number of vehicles not usually seen by the public. Our dedicated volunteer group ensured our vehicles were in great condition for their ‘weekend out’ through regular monthly weekends maintaining the vehicles, as well as attending – driving vehicles to the museum and sharing their passion with visitors on the days. Engagement in this signature event was extensive - alongside a huge influx of general visitors and uniformed personnel, we had 200 visitors journeying via a special train trip from Wellington and a large contingent of army recruits join the events.

“Well set out excellent displays, great time had. I hope we never have to witness war like those who had to pay a heavy price for us all.”

Anzac Day