Opening the doors more often will soon become reality for the 1890s cottage. With calls for more volunteers being unsuccessful, fresh ideas on how to open the cottage were needed.
A remote locking device will allow entry into the historic building. Perspex panels will be placed over doorways, allowing visitors to view static displays and chattels that will convey what family life was like in a tiny cottage over 100 years ago. Vallance family stories will be developed with assistance from the Otago Museum.
“We’re thinking about how we can bring these unique stories to life by using a range of media including static displays, oral histories and images, some of which could be accessed by visitors through their own smartphones,” says Christina Martin, Central Otago District Council Property and Facilities Officer.
“We’ll still have our Open Days. These are a great way of bringing the community together to enjoy the cottage, the garden and adjacent orchard within a market day atmosphere.”
The next market Open Day is scheduled for 26 September, details below.