The Tauranga Historical Society was founded in 1952. At that time there were many descendants of original Tauranga settlers still living in the area and many of them joined the Society. They held regular meetings, made bus trips to places of historical interest both locally and throughout the North Island, and began publishing a journal. Besides articles on local history many of the journals included stories and memories from these early families. The Society established a museum in Tauranga in the 1960’s and supported the Historic Village in the 1970’s.
Today the Tauranga Historical Society’s vision is the preservation, interpretation and promotion of historical and cultural heritage of the Western Bay of Plenty for the
people of the region and beyond. Our key objectives are:
- To foster and maintain an appreciation of places and objects of historic interest particularly in the Western Bay of Plenty.
- To encourage the study and research of local history.
- To manage, preserve and display the Brain Watkins House as a house museum open to the public.