We’ve been preserving local history since 1977.

History

Devonport is one of Auckland's earliest nineteenth century European settlements. It has a dramatic volcanic past evident in the shape of the land, a close relationship with the sea and a long history of settlement by Maori. It has been home to the New Zealand Navy for many years, and has a strong connection with the Army. It was a significant centre for early shipbuilding and the base for transport as far north as Waiwera. It is recognised as having some of the best streetscapes of nineteenth century commercial and residential buildings in New Zealand.

From around March 1976 Paul Titchener’s Devonport History Society (also known as the Devonport Historical Association), the Devonport Borough Council and the Devonport Library Associates worked to create a museum in Devonport. Eventually, the Devonport Historical and Museum Society Inc. was registered on 24 September 1977 and Brian Sawyer became our first President. He served to 1978.

On 30 March 1978, the old 1890 Devonport Presbyterian church building was moved onto the Mount Cambria site. In that year, Sherry Reynolds became our second President and served to 1980. The museum itself was opened on 10 February 1980 and the gardens were opened on 22 November 1981. Rod Cornelius became President in 1980 and served to 1982 and then from 1989 to 2009,. He and Helen served together on the museum committee until 2023, when Rod became our second Life Member, after Brian Sawyer.

Tom Smith was President from 1982, and was succeeded by Kirk Page, Felicity Smith and Keith Baildon, to 1989. The mezzanine gallery was opened on 1 December 1990, and in August 1996 there was a further update of the displays. Our extension opened on 23 January 2005 and there was a further restoration in January 2008. Alastair Fletcher became our President in 2009. The museum began installing a series of heritage building plaques across Devonport from 2016 and in January 2017 the ‘Heritage Rescue’ team undertook a further revamp.

The museum continues to be dedicated to preserving local heritage and history, and presenting the local stories. We are supported by Auckland Council and the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board.