Blacks Point Museum

Blacks Point Museum is a fascinating museum located in Blacks Point, near Reefton on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.

The museum building is a former Methodist/Wesleyan church, which was built from pit-sawn timber in 1876 and led as a non-denominational church by a Methodist minister. The church formerly overlooked the town, but in 1912 it was moved back and rotated 90° on its section. As the population of Blacks Point declined, worship shifted to Reefton, and the church closed in 1960. The church building was sold to the community for the purposes of a museum, and Blacks Point Museum opened on 1 October 1966.

The museum is run by friendly volunteers who are passionate about preserving the history of the area. The museum contains a collection of memorabilia relating to life in a mining town in New Zealand, including records from the school, the cemetery, genealogical records, and a collection of photographs. The museum is a touch and feel place with quite good resources in the back room. Don't expect professional displays but a good experience with a lot of information. The museum is crammed with prospecting paraphernalia and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of mining in New Zealand.

The working Golden Fleece stamper, installed in the 1980s, is a highlight of the museum. The exterior of the museum hosts a mural by cinematographer and local resident Alun Bollinger, which adds to the charm of the museum. The museum building was extended in 1976, and in 2008, a $135,000 purpose-built archive and research room was added. In 2009, a display building and lean-to was constructed, and in 2013 the museum building was re-roofed. The museum is situated about 2km from Reefton in the heart of Blacks Point. The museum building is a piece of history in its own right and is a popular attraction for visitors to the area.

In summary, Blacks Point Museum is a fascinating museum that is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of mining in New Zealand. The museum is run by friendly volunteers who are passionate about preserving the history of the area. The working Golden Fleece stamper is a highlight of the museum, and the exterior of the museum hosts a mural by cinematographer and local resident Alun Bollinger. The museum building is a piece of history in its own right and is a popular attraction for visitors to the area.