To collect, preserve and display artefacts of a medical nature
We’re on the move…
Earlier this year, Te Whatu Ora management gave our trustees notification that the Cotter Museum must exit its Hillmorton Hospital site by the end of August, 2024.
The newly appointed CMHM Trustees’ Management Subcommittee and volunteers then confronted with the huge task of a), reducing the volume (250+ m³) of artefacts to be moved and b), finding a new home.
With respect to a), the volunteers through some tough decision-making, have now almost completed sorting and packing a more manageable volume of materials ready to be transported to our new storage site.
Occupation of our new Collections/Research Unit will be a phased process, occurring in October. We anticipate reorganisation of the collections and establishment of administrative capabilities will not be completed until January, 2025. Those wishing to contact us in the interim, should do so via email: info@cottermuseum.co.nz
We are also excited to announce that discussions surrounding a new, central city site for CMHM to exhibit its amazing collection are now well advanced… watch this space!
The Cotter Medical History Museum
The museum holds items belonging to The Cotter Medical History Trust founded by Christchurch surgeon, the late Pat Cotter. The collection included historic artefacts, photographs, books and documents relating to all aspects of health care: surgery, medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, laboratory and administration. A considerable asset is Pat’s collection of biographical notes on over 1,000 Canterbury doctors.
The Trust maintains static displays in Christchurch’s hospitals, clinics, health centres and laboratories. The Stephen Clark Microscope Collection in the public foyer of the University of Otago, Christchurch, is an outstanding exhibit. Many more microscopes from this collection are held in the museum.
In 2017 the Cotter Medical History Museum’s collection was designated as being of National Significance by the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa.
At the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Heritage Trust’s Heritage Village The Cotter Medical History Trust has equipped a school dental clinic and a house with a 1940s doctor’s surgery, operating theatre and medical and nursing exhibits.
Donations
We rely on volunteers to manage and preserve the museum’s collection and to publish books on New Zealand’s medical history using the museum’s resources. We would greatly appreciate monetary donations to help us continue in this venture. We are a Registered Charity No. CC38402.
Donations and payments for books can be made through SBS account no. 031355 0557857 00
021 274 7202 Email: info@cottermuseum.co.nz