Local History Resources
There is a Heritage area located within the Central Library Branch. It holds some duplicate copies of the Upper Hutt Leader, as well as books on Local History. The area has regular mini exhibitions that highlight different collections and tell local stories.
Recollect
Recollect is the online database for the Upper Hutt City Library Heritage Collections. It provides easy online access to a rich store of heritage material relating to Upper Hutt City, its people, and events. It includes over 27 thousand digitised photographs, includes oral histories and interactive virtual maps. Recollect also acts as our collections management system. If you find an item in the archives, that isn't available as digital content, then you can request an appointment to view the item by emailing the team at heritage@uhcc.govt.nz
Jock McEwen Reference Collection
This collection has an extensive range of books and serials on Māori and Pacific Islands history. They were donated to the library by local kaumātua, Jock McEwen. Jock was a master carver, a founding member of Māwai Hakona and a senior Public Servant. The Jock McEwen Reference Collection can be searched on the library catalogue, the books and can be viewed within the library by asking staff at the front desk.
Upper Hutt Leaders
We hold bound copies of the Upper Hutt Leader, [1964-2021] they are reference only and can be viewed within the library, they are accessible by asking staff at the front desk. Upper Hutt Leaders from 1939-1964 can be viewed online at our Newspaper Archive
Upper Hutt Local History Group
Fourth Wednesday of the month 1:30 pm to 3:00 PM | Central Library
The Upper Hutt Local History Group meets once a month to share and enjoy memories of life in Upper Hutt through the decades.
If you love local history and heritage knowledge, come along and discover more of Upper Hutt’s fascinating past.
Meetings are open to anyone interested in learning more about Upper Hutt’s heritage and are a great opportunity to connect with other local history enthusiasts and their research interests and projects.
Further useful links
Covid-19 Special Project
Upper Hutt in the 1960s: Oral History Project
Our Upper Hutt Heritage Facebook Page, which shares a selection of items from our collections