About Sarah
Sarah’s research background is in social history, with a particular focus on the histories that have shaped New Zealand’s identity and communities. Her areas of interest span the First World War, Antarctic exploration, public history and the impact of natural disasters – topics that reflect the national significance and the unique strengths of Canterbury Museum’s collections. She is especially drawn to the ways material culture can deepen our understanding of the past. Much of her previous work has examined how non-archival artefacts can be used as meaningful historical sources. This research has contributed to broader conversations about how museums interpret, care for and give voice to objects that fall outside traditional archival frameworks.
Sarah also has a strong interest in the preservation, care and interpretation of heritage collections, particularly those with close ties to Canterbury’s cultural and environmental histories. This includes a growing focus on the Museum’s own history; its artefacts, its people, and the communities who have shaped it over generations. Her work often explores how museums can honour their institutional stories while ensuring collections remain accessible, relevant, and engaging for diverse audiences.
Alongside her role at Canterbury Museum, Sarah maintains an active academic profile as an Adjunct Associate in the History Department at the University of Canterbury, where she contributes to teaching, research and postgraduate supervision. She is committed to supporting the historical community in Ōtautahi Christchurch and serves on the Executive of both the Canterbury History Foundation and the Canterbury Historical Association. She is also a Board member of the Okains Bay Museum, where she helps support the preservation of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant rural museum collections.
Across all her roles, Sarah is dedicated to fostering thoughtful, collaborative, and community-centred approaches to understanding and sharing the past.
