Papakura Museum Anzac 2011 Exhibition:'How We Remember Them'

21 April - 9 June

The new Papakura Museum's inaugural Anzac exhibition showcases memories and memorabilia of New Zealand veterans of two wars, the First World War and Vietnam.

'How We Remember Them' commemorates the 90th Anniversary of the unveiling of the Papakura-Karaka First World War Memorial on 5 June 1921, and gives voice to veterans recorded for the Vietnam War Oral History Project.

A collection of WWI photographs, uniform and papers tell stories of ANZAC soldiers at Gallipoli. Touch screens playing oral history interviews present the personal experiences of Vietnam veterans and their families.

Ministry for Culture and Heritage oral historian Claire Hall says it's also a chance for Papakura and districts locals to consider sharing their own memories and mementos of the Vietnam War.

"South Auckland has a strong veteran community, and many families will have memories of the Vietnam era, perhaps stories to share of its ongoing impact in their lives and communities," Claire says.

"People can put these straight into the digital archive at www.vietnamwar.govt.nz or we can add them on behalf. Some like to be interviewed, others prefer to put pen to paper, or tell their stories with photos, or in verse. These are all valid ways of remembering."

Manager Kay Thomas says Papakura Museum and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage will next year co-curate an exhibition to mark the end of the four year Vietnam history project, which has recorded 130 veterans, their wives, partners and children.

Kay says this year's exhibition will tease out locals who have a story to tell or memorabilia to contribute for next year's installation.

"We're encouraging people to contribute through the online archive, or get in touch if they've stories or paraphernalia to share," she says.

The exhibition runs form 21 April to 9 June, Papakura Museum, Level 3, Accent Point Building, 209 Great South Road, Papakura.

ENDS

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