Gore’s small museum celebrates the surrounding area’s social history. Displays include items from early settlers and information about the arrival of southern Maori.  Find out about local icon Sgt Dan, country music star Tex Morton’s link to Gore, and view fascinating fishing memorabilia in the Hook, Line and Sinker display.

Opened in 1999, the Gore Historical Museum is housed in the Hokonui Heritage Centre alongside the research centre.  It focuses on the history of Eastern Southland and the Mataura River Valley. Attractive displays include: early costume and textiles; Victoriana; gold recovery; farming relics; and  fishing, domestic and medical memorabilia.

A wide range of items and information cover the arrival of southern Maori, early European settlers, and the resulting enterprise that made the district unique. The museum provides an enjoyable visitor experience for all ages.  An added service to those with a hands-on interest in local history, the Hokonui Heritage Research Centre houses a significant collection of historical books, photographs and newspapers pertaining to local history.