Hocken Collections facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hocken Collections |
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| Hocken Library in 2005, housed in a former cheese-making factory | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Type | Research library |
| Established | 23 March 1910 |
| Location | 90 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin 9016 |
| Coordinates | 45°52′11″S 170°31′04″E / 45.86976°S 170.517715°E |
| Collection | |
| Size | Floating |
The Hocken Collections (also known as Uare Taoka o Hākena in Māori) is a special place in Dunedin, New Zealand. It's like a super-library, a history museum, and an art gallery all rolled into one! It holds a huge collection of important items about New Zealand's past. The University of Otago helps manage this amazing collection.
The Hocken Collections focuses on the history of New Zealand and the Pacific islands. It's especially interested in the Otago and Southland areas. Anyone can visit this library. It's one of the most important places in New Zealand for learning about history.
Contents
History of the Hocken Collections
The Hocken Collections exists thanks to a generous person named Dr. Thomas Hocken. He was a passionate collector. He gave his own huge collection of books and items to the university. He wanted it to be a gift for all the people of New Zealand.
Dr. Hocken first shared his idea to donate his library in 1897. He officially signed the gift papers on September 3, 1907. But it wasn't until 1910 that the collection was ready for everyone to see. It was placed in a special new part of the Otago Museum.
The official opening happened on March 23, 1910. This date was also the 62nd birthday of Dunedin city. Sadly, Dr. Thomas Hocken was too unwell to attend. He passed away just two months later.
Where the Collections Have Been Housed
For many years, until 1965, the entire Hocken Library was inside the Otago Museum. After that, its art collection and other items started to move. They were housed in different spots around the University of Otago campus. The art pieces were kept at the Central Library.
In 1980, all the collections were brought together again. They moved into a new building called the Hocken Building. This building is now known as the Richardson Building. It was designed by a famous architect named E.J. McCoy.
However, the collection quickly grew too big for that space. More room was found at another location on Leith Street. Then, in 1998, everything was moved again. The new home was a former cheese-making factory on Anzac Avenue. This building is east of the main university campus. In 2005, the name was officially changed to Hocken Collections.
What You Can Find at Hocken Collections
The Hocken Collections has the biggest collection of old handwritten papers, maps, and early photos. These items are mostly about the history of the Otago Region. It also has several important collections about New Zealand as a whole.
For example, you can find letters and diaries from Samuel Marsden. He was an early missionary in New Zealand. There are also records from the Church Missionary Society. The library also holds personal papers from many important people from Otago. These include writers like James K. Baxter and R. A. K. Mason. You can also find political writings from many community leaders. The library also has many photographs taken by the famous Burton Brothers.
The library also has a huge collection of New Zealand music. This includes recordings and sheet music. Much of it is related to Dunedin's unique rock-music scene. There's also a large collection of New Zealand art. The top floor of the library has an art gallery. This gallery often shows art from the library's own collection. It also features art from visiting artists and artists from the University of Otago.
Special Collection Highlights
Some of the Hocken Collection's items are so important that UNESCO has recognized them. They are part of the "Memory of the World Aotearoa New Zealand Ngā Mahara o te Ao" list. This means they are very significant pieces of recorded history for the country.
Here are some of the special collections:
- The papers of writer Charles Brasch. These were added to the list in 2013.
- Dr. Hocken's Church Missionary Society Records. These were added in 2014.
- The papers of Pickerill on Plastic Surgery. These were added in 2015.
- The papers of Lance Richdale. These were added in 2016.
- Records from Salmond Anderson Architects. These were added in 2017.
- The papers of Herries Beattie (from 1848–1972). These were added in 2018.
- The papers of Dr. Muriel Bell. These were added in 2019.
- The papers of Colin and Anne McCahon. These were added in 2020.
- The literary and personal papers of Janet Frame. These were added in 2024.
See also
In Spanish: Colecciones Hocken para niños
