The Lord Howe Isalnd Museum holds a large number of significant historical artefacts that reflect the unique character of the Island community as it evolved through various economic eras — from a provisioning station for passing ships, to the Kentia palm industry, shipping, the development of tourism, communications, and the flying boat era. 

Due to the Island’s isolation, residents had to be very self-sufficient, and many of the artefacts in the collection reflect this. Most of the items held at the museum were collected by Museum founder James Dorman as far back as 1970s, and the island community is indebted to his early vision to collect and preserve them.

Since 2002, the Museum has been cataloguing its artefacts on various databases, including the web-based eHive, but the project had never been completed until now. Libby Baker — a regular visitor to the Island with her family — offered sponsorship through a family trust to finish the job.

From mid-May through to July 2026, Lise Gardien has been on the Island assisting the Museum Curator to catalogue every artefact held at the museum. Lise completed her Honours degree through l’École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts) in Bordeaux, France, and has experience with museum cataloguing.

Lise has a passion for museum collections, and to find out more about the artefacts held at the museum, Lise has been talking with local residents and researching online for information about their origin, materials, and the stories behind their use and ownership. 

“What a great privilege it is to come into the Island community and immerse myself in some of the fascinating history here,” Lise said. “I’ve met some wonderful people through the task of documenting this history for Islanders — and the world — to enjoy.”

There are now over 320 items catalogued, and you are encouraged to go online to view some of them on our eHive site: https://ehive.com/collections/200965/lord-howe-island-museum

When visiting the island, all are welcome to call in to the museum and view the objects. And if anyone has information or stories about any of the items, the museum would love to hear them.