Past Events

Weddings and the Ever Afters

In collaboration with the Blockhouse Bay Library, the Blockhouse Bay Historical Society presents a dual exhibition of wedding images, stories and memorabilia through time. Both venues are located in the Gittos Domain and we encourage everyone to view these complimentary exhibitions in tandem. There will be a wide variety of images across differing era’s, many sourced from the community as well as our extensive archives. Together, we celebrate the history of love in the Bay. Society members will be on hand to answer questions, expand on stories of local families and guide you through our permanent displays in the oldest surviving settlers cottage in Blockhouse Bay.

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150th Anniversary Celebrations

On the weekend of 4th and 5th September 2010, the 150th Anniversary of the building of the Blockhouse, after which this district is named, was celebrated.

A large mural of the Blockhouse was placed on the Village Green beside [[Armanasco House]] on 3rd September. An unveiling ceremony was held the following day in the afternoon, and guests were then invited to view a display in Armanasco House showing the history of the Blockhouse.

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145th Anniversary Celebration

145th Anniversary Celebration

On Sunday, 24th July 2005, over 900 people attended the display at the Community Centre, to celebrate the 145th Anniversary of the building of the blockhouse that gave the area its name.

A model of the blockhouse was displayed and a booklet telling the story formed part of the display. Lots of photos of the early days of both people and places were displayed and formed talking points for the many visitors. Old friendships were renewed, reunions held and many memories recalled.

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Christmas parade and market day 2007

Christmas parade and market day 2007

Saturday, 8th December, 2007, was a perfect day for a Christmas parade. In spite of dire weather forecasts all the previous week, threatening rain and even thunderstorms, the day was perfect. Blue, blue sky, puffy white clouds, a gentle breeze and a record attendance all combined for a very successful event.

With the street closed to traffic, the crowd was able to wander freely between the pavement stalls, and entertainment was provided by a series of groups offering every type of music. The Historic Society’s stall on the Village Green, in front of Armanasco House, again proved very popular offering a wide range of pre-loved goods, and two raffles of a grocery hamper and a doll were also well patronised.

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Heritage Festival 2007

Heritage Festival 2007 — Historic Photographs Display

The John Davie Te Whau Performing Arts Centre at Blockhouse Bay Primary School was the venue for this display of historic photos depicting aspects of early life in the Bay. The photos were all from our extensive Archives, and by participating in the Auckland-wide Heritage Festival we were able to provide an opportunity for the wider community to view these.

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Heritage Week 2006

Auckland City Heritage Week, 16–24 September 2006

Auckland City Heritage Week was celebrated all over the city and the Society hosted a number of activities in Blockhouse Bay village.

Armanasco House was opened and featured a photographic display from our archives from 16-17 and 21-24 September. Local residents took advantage of the occasion to visit the House as, although it is used as a meeting venue, it is not normally open to the public. Events were happening all over Auckland, and yet many people came from other suburbs and even out of town.

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