Help Identify Unnamed Historical Figure in Puke Ariki Collection

Puke Ariki, a museum and library located in New Plymouth, is seeking public assistance in identifying a woman featured in one of its historical photographs. The image is part of a vast collection comprising over 110,000 photographs captured by Swainson’s Studios and Bernard Woods Studio between 1923 and 1997. Many of these photographs, including this week’s featured image, remain unidentified, presenting an opportunity for the community to engage with local history.

The photograph in question can be viewed online at the Puke Ariki collection website. Community members are encouraged to visit the following link to view the image: https://collection.pukeariki.com/objects/45140/duncan-servicewoman. Those who wish to assist in identifying the woman in the photograph can reach out via email at [email protected] or contact the Taranaki Research Centre at (06) 759 5684.

Exploring New Plymouth’s Historical Archives

Puke Ariki’s collection offers a rich repository of images that reflect the cultural and social history of the region. The current initiative demonstrates the museum’s commitment to community involvement in preserving local heritage. Last week’s photograph, which highlighted the figure of a “candy man,” can also be accessed online for those interested in exploring the wider collection. The link for that image is available here: https://collection.pukeariki.com/objects/144002/candy-man.

The institution has made it easy for anyone to explore its extensive heritage collections online. Interested individuals can browse through all available images and artifacts at collection.pukeariki.com/objects. This accessibility not only fosters greater public engagement but also supports the museum’s goal of uncovering and documenting the histories behind the images.

Puke Ariki invites anyone with knowledge or leads regarding the identities of individuals in its photographs to participate in this enriching endeavor. The museum believes that collective efforts can help illuminate the stories behind these historical images, connecting the community with its past.