West Coast New Zealand History – Recollect
The West Coast New Zealand History group is a passionate community of thousands of individuals around the globe, dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich photographic records of the West Coast.
A growing West Coast digital archive.
For years, the group relied on Facebook to facilitate its efforts. Still, as the membership and its collection of historical photos grew exponentially, the need for a more reliable and sustainable solution became evident.
Recognising the limitations of Facebook in ensuring long-term accessibility and preservation, the group opted for Recollect, a professional platform used by museums, libraries, and businesses. Recollect allows for high-resolution image uploads while creating smaller, web-friendly versions, ensuring quality and accessibility for everyone.
The real heroes behind this project are the group’s volunteer administrators. These passionate individuals, scattered across New Zealand and united by their love for West Coast history, dedicate countless hours to meticulously checking and cataloguing every contribution. Transparency and ownership are paramount to the group.
The photo collection originates from diverse sources, including contributions from individuals within the private Facebook group, direct donations from individuals passionate about preserving their West Coast photos, and the dedicated efforts of volunteer administrators who scan physical photo donations for inclusion on Recollect.
Once uploaded to Recollect, photos are accessible for everyone to see and interact with. Contributors retain ownership of their photos or can choose a “creative commons” option for controlled sharing. Importantly, no photos are ever sold, and no revenue is generated. The group aims to make West Coast history accessible and enjoyable for all.
To contribute your own piece of West Coast history, visit the group’s website and click the “Contribute” tab. Whether through historical photos or personal stories, your contribution will enrich the collective understanding of the West Coast’s unique story and ensure it is preserved for generations to come.
Address
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