About our collection

Toitū is one of the earliest social history museums in New Zealand. It was created in 1898 by the Otago Early Settlers Association as part of the Otago Provincial 50th Jubilee celebrations.

The founding mission was the recording of the lives of the settlers who arrived as part of the Scottish settlement scheme from 1848. This is strongly reflected in the early collections, with a focus on documentary evidence of settlement, for example the extensive portrait collection.

Today Toitū collects a wide range of objects as part of its goal to preserve and share the stories of all the peoples who have and continue to shape Dunedin and Otago. Many of our most significant collection items are on display at the Museum. We also make regular changes to our exhibits, to ensure our stories remain relevant and our objects are well cared for.