Maryann Cowan has had a love of museums from an early age, likely brought about from school trips and family outings.
So it was not surprising she took on a role as museum assistant with the Ashburton Museum and Historical Society in 2005.
It involved front of house duties, research and learning about the workings of a museum.
Fast forward 20 years, the 67-year-old’s final role was as Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum senior curator. She retired with fond memories last month.
‘‘My interest in museums I think came from the times spent at the Canterbury Museum where some of my favourite things were the street scene and the inside of a ship,’’ Cowan said.
Cowan has curated more than 60 exhibitions during her time with the museum. While each one is unique there have been some that have really stood out for her.
‘‘My most memorable ones have included the Tekau: Don’t be Dull, A New Era, the Ng King Bros. Chinese Market Garden Settlement which was so cool to work on with the family, and the Westerfield Camp – The Army Marches In,’’ she said.
‘‘I have loved the photographic ones like the Bobbie Barwell: Capturing People and Places and SNAP! The glass plate negative project.’’
In her time, she has also enjoyed her interaction with visitors.
‘‘It has been so enjoyable listening to people as they view the exhibitions. Hearing grandparents relate stories of items on display to their grandchildren.
‘‘When people visit the museum or come to offer an item to us, each one has story to share and this has been a wonderful part of my job,’’ Cowan said.
Cowan is looking forward to enjoying time with the family and her knowledge, expertise and understanding of history and the district will not be lost.
She said she will have more time to give to the Ashburton District Family History Group which she has been part of since the 1980’s. She also has some history research on the go.
‘‘I will miss the people, those I have worked with and the visitors, but I will still keep delving into research and history,’’ Cowan said.
Planning for a museum exhibition was no small feat, Cowan said.
It started with information on the person or subject and from there further research was undertaken.
Objects and photographs to include in the exhibition were then sourced, either from those involved or people connected with it.
One exhibition that proved a challenge was the Westerfield Camp one due to a limited amount of available information.
‘‘I remember the first exhibition I staged; it was in the former museum and there wasn’t a lot of space for the display. It was on local businesses called Same Name, Same Businesses and showcased businesses like Sparrows and Robilliard’s.’’
While many of the exhibitions that have been on show have been created from the ground-up by the Ashburton Museum team others like The Topp Twins – An Exhibition for New Zealand, Colossal Squid: Freaky Features! have been touring exhibitions which the museum has received and set up.
The first joint exhibitions between the museum and the Ashburton Art Gallery was Suffrage in Stitches.
One touring exhibitions that stands out for Cowan and one that moved her to tears was The New Zealand Children’s Holocaust Memorial.
‘‘When I saw the exhibition in Wellington and then setting it up here, the power of the story behind it was very emotional. If was the toughest exhibition I’ve done.’’
Over the time Cowan’s role has evolved, from starting as museum assistant through to senior curator there was more focus on the exhibition side of the role.
The role has changed too as more exhibitions space became available in the new museum and with an increase in staff.
When Cowan started it was just her and custodian Rita Wright. Today there is a team of 13 staff and team of passionate and dedicated volunteers.
In 2014 the museum became a department of the district council.
She was involved with the move from the former County Council building – where the new library and civic building, Te Whare Whakatere is now – into the purpose-built building on West St.
‘‘It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of the planning and move. The move involved a lot of work and while it was a relief when the move was complete it was also a very exciting time,’’ Cowan said.
Cowan said during her time at the museum she has continued to learn, learn from staff, colleagues in other museum and visitors.
The last exhibition Cowan curated was Sharing Histories: Gifts of 2024. It runs until May 18.
