Meet Lewis

What attracted you to working at the Navy Museum?
History has always been my passion, and working in Museums has been my dream since finishing university.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Being able to research the objects which we acquire and learn about the rich historical contexts they relate to.

What do you enjoy least?
Having to fight off the elements of degradation, such as mould and dust!

Name the most unexpected fact you have learnt since taking up your role at the Museum.
That we have a helicopter – a Wasp – in our collection!

Name your favourite object in the Museum and explain why you chose it.
A grave marker from Kororāreka/Russell constructed in 1845 to commemorate sailors from HMS Hazard who died in the Northern War. Seeing an object which was around over 170 years ago is amazing in itself, but through researching this object I was also able to learn so much about this fascinating period of history.

What’s the most memorable thing you have done since being at the Museum?

Probably moving a huge model ship (1.4 meters tall and 1.7 metres wide) into the collection store. Requiring a truck and mutiple people to carefully lift it.

Name the funniest moment since you joined the Museum?
Spending an hour debating the difference between jerseys, jumpers, sweatshirts, jackets and pullovers, which was work relevant, so that we could properly classify them in our database!

How do you enjoy spending your time outside work?
I like to keep active: I’m an avid football player, and indoor rock climber. I’ve recently begun learning the guitar and how to sketch! I am also a big fan of watching classic films, going out to music gigs and watching theatre shows when I can.