Journal & Other Publications
About the Journal
The Nelson Historical Society professionally produces an annual journal of original, researched local history articles on a wide range of topics related to people, places, businesses, industries, and events in Te Tau Ihu o te Waka-a-Māui, the Top of the South Island, New Zealand.
The first Journal of the Nelson Historical Society Incorporated was published in 1955. In 1981 the Marlborough Historical Society joined the enterprise and the title changed to Journal of the Nelson and Marlborough Historical Societies. Two volumes were published between 1981 and 1995. The Marlborough Historical Society withdrew in 1996 and the title became the Nelson Historical Society Journal.
The Journal has had six editors since 1955: James Paterson (1955-1965), Dr Cuthbert R. Barnicoat (1966-1977), Margaret Brown (1978-1985), Dawn Smith (1986 -2014), Karen Stade (2015-2024) and Sally Kidson (2025 - present).
Back issues of the journal have been digitised as part of a collaborative project between the Society and the Friends of Nelson Library, the Nelson branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists, Nelson Institute and Nelson Provincial Museum. Issues up to and including 2012 are available online at http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-corpus-nhsj.html
The journal is normally published in July/August and all members of Nelson Historical Society receive a printed copy as part of their membership.
If you are interested in submitting an article for the journal, you can download the style guide.
Some back and current issues of the Journal are available for sale through the society – info@nelsonhistoricalsociety.co.nz
Society Publications
A number of local history books have been published by or received support from the society including the society’s own 50-year history.
Edited by Max Lash. Published by the Nelson Historical Society 1992.
In the 1990's, society member Max Lash convened a team to research and write potted histories of 295 people who helped to shape the region. Published under the auspices of the Nelson Historical Society, Nelson Notables grew out of the national Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, of which Max was the local convenor. Finding that many Nelsonians weren't going to make it into the national book, it was decided to put them all into a local book, which was published in 1992.
Copies of Nelson Notables are available for sale through the society for $15 + P&P. Contact info@nelsonhistoricalsociety.co.nz
Nelson Notables
Nelson Historical Society, the first 50 years 1954-2004
By Dawn Smith. Published by the society in 2005 to mark its 50th anniversary.
F.G. Gibbs - His Influence on the Social History of Nelson 1890-1950
By Shonadh Mann M.A. Published by the society in 1977 as a thesis submitted for the Degree of Master of Arts in History.
By Phil (P.V.) and Natalie (N.L.) Wastney. Originally published by the society in 1977.
Early Tide to Wakapuaka
Pasta, Prayer & Promise – the story of Nelson’s Italian community 1860-2014
By Karen Price and Karen Stade. Published in 2015 with the support of the society.