Meet Thomas

What attracted you to working at the Navy Museum?
I have always been interested in history, working within the museum looking after the photographic collection combines two of my interests: history and photography.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
The variety of work, due to collections being such a small team there is often jobs that need an extra pair of hands. No two days are ever the same.

What do you enjoy least?
I don’t like it when I am unable to assist people with their requests. Sometimes there are requests for images that we do not hold in the collection.

Name the most unexpected fact you have learnt since taking up your role at the Museum.
Learning of HMNZS Waikato’s rescue of a United States Navy Sea King Helicopter. Seeing the image of the helicopter parked on the rear of the shop is quite incredible – see below.

Name your favourite object in the Museum and explain why you chose it.
It is hard to choose just one object, the collection store has many different and interesting oddities.

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

I really enjoyed helping with our object rotation project, being able to assist producing the new labels as well as the final install into the display cases.

Name the funniest moment since you joined the Museum?
Learning about Vernon the mannequin and joining in on the antics of hiding him around the office.

How do you enjoy spending your time outside work?
I am an avid rock climber, climbing preoccupies most of my out of work time.