Last updated November 2026
The library at the Renwick Museum holds a run of School Journals that ranks among the best outside the National Library. The museum, on High Street in the Marlborough town of Renwick, collects and displays the history of Renwick, once known as Renwicktown, and the surrounding area.
Volunteers with an interest in local history and genealogy run it, and its library grew from a collection begun by Herbert Watson. The exhibition areas are open every day, with volunteers on hand on Mondays, and entry is free, with donations welcome.
Practical Information
- Address
- 58 High Street, Renwick
- Opening hours
- Every day; volunteers are on hand on Mondays from 10am to 2pm, except public holidays. See the museum’s contact page for opening times
- Entry
- Free; donations welcome
- Run by
- Volunteers
- Phone
- 022 852 4551
- Status
- Check the Renwick Museum website before you go.
About Renwick Museum
The museum’s subject is the town itself. Renwick began as Renwicktown, named after Dr Thomas Renwick, a Scot who arrived in Nelson in 1842 and went on to buy land in Marlborough. Part of his land was surveyed into town sections, and the surveyors named the new streets after battles and generals.
The museum gathers and displays the history of Renwick, Marlborough and the surrounding districts. Its collections take in archives and manuscripts, including maps, plans and newspapers, along with books and journals, photographs and social history items.
Alongside the museum is the Watson Memorial Library, also called the Olga Watson Memorial Library. It includes part of the original collection that Herbert Watson established, and it holds early school learning materials, early settlers’ books and children’s literature.
The School Journal Collection
The library’s best-known holding is its run of School Journals. Destination Marlborough describes it as the largest collection in New Zealand outside the National Library, and the museum’s Kōtuia entry calls it “one of the best collections of School Journals outside the National Library”. The Prow, the Nelson and Marlborough heritage website, has a story on the collection and how it was gathered.
What to See
As you come in there are small display cabinets, a cabinet with changing displays and an Exhibitions Gallery, which are open every day. On Mondays, when volunteers are in, you can go further into the museum to see the Historical Library and an ongoing sale of books.
The museum also helps with family history research. Its portraits collection of early settlers in the Renwicktown area can be browsed online through a Marlborough Museum virtual exhibit.
From locals
Can the museum help me research my family history?
Do the volunteers show you around on a Monday, or do you just wander through yourself?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Renwick Museum?
At 58 High Street, Renwick, in Marlborough.
When can I visit?
The museum is open every day, and its contact page gives the times. Volunteers are on hand on Mondays from 10am to 2pm, except public holidays.
Does it cost anything to get in?
No. Entry is free, and donations are welcome.
What does the museum cover?
The history of Renwick, formerly Renwicktown, and of Marlborough and the surrounding areas, through archives, maps, newspapers, photographs, books and social history items.
Why is the town called Renwick?
It was named Renwicktown after Dr Thomas Renwick, a Scot who came to Nelson in 1842 and bought land in Marlborough, part of which became the first town sections.
What is special about the library?
The Watson Memorial Library holds one of the best collections of School Journals outside the National Library, along with early school learning materials and children’s books.
What can I see on a Monday that I can’t on other days?
When volunteers are in on Mondays, you can go further into the museum to the Historical Library and the ongoing book sale.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Renwick Museum: Contact us: opening times, Monday volunteer hours and contact details.
- The Prow: The School Journal in Renwick: the story of the Watson library and its School Journals.
- The Prow: Early Renwick: how Renwicktown was founded and grew.