Thames originates from the gold mining fever of the 19th century. Museum tracing the town’s early history with life sized models set in recreated Victorian rooms, artifacts and documents.
INTERESTING FACTS – THAMES HISTORICAL SOCIETY

There is a forest of over 247 trees planted north of the Rhodes Park car park. They each mark a soldier from the Thames District that died during World War One.
Each tree has a GPS location, to commemorate a soldier from our area. Part of the wider WWI Memorial Forest Project that covers the Coromandel Peninsula that was coordinated by the Thames Coromandel District Council.
ANZAC BISCUIT RECEIPE
A New Zealand classic biscuit commemorating ANZAC (Australian, New Zealand Armed Corp) losses during World War I and II.
Here’s the recipe according to the Thames Historical Society.
Have you made some Anzac Biscuits? They are simple to make, recipes vary, and you can alter to suit your taste. For this recipe you need: One cup of Flour, Oats, and Brown Sugar. Half Cup of Coconut. 125 grams of Butter (melted) and two Tablespoons of Golden Syrup. Half teaspoon of Baking Soda dissolved in one tablespoon of hot water. Watch the slide show!
Mix all ingredients together, place on a tray covered with baking paper. A dessertspoon makes a good size, flatten with the back of the spoon. Bake at 160c for about 12 minutes.
They need to rest for a short while on tray till firm, then on rack to cool.


Thames Historical Society and Museum is managed and funded by passionate volunteers, For regional museum enthusiastics check opening hours beforehand to avoid disappointment. Admission fees, donations welcome.
WHERE IS THAMES HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM LOCATED?

Thames came into existence when gold was discovered in 1867 The colonial government established the newly named town,’ Shortland’, at the mouth of the Kauaeranga River.
Thames (Maori name Parawai) is located in southwest corner of the Coromandel Peninsula near the mouth of the Waihou River. The Firth of Thames forms the local beaches. The town is the seat of the Thames-Coromandel District Council and is the largest town in the district.
Thames was formed by the merger of two smaller towns, Grahamstown and Shortland, of which many original buildings still stand on the main street today.
For visitors interested in the history of the area check out Thames – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
For more ideas about what to do in the Coromandel scroll through Coromandel Regional Guide, Coromandel Town Attractions, and the Whitianga travel guide.

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