 The Accordion Gems display is strongly recommended as a "must see" attraction for all accordion interested visitors to New Zealand and Northland. Dargaville is 175 km drive north of Auckland and is a scenic trip taking a little over 2 hours.At the instigation of NZAA Life Member Kevin Friedrich, The Dargaville Museum agreed to host a major collection of accordions and memorbilia that he had collected over many years for the purpose of starting an accordion museum. The Accordion Gems collection serves as the anchor display in the newly established Music Room, the latest addition to the Dargaville Museum. In addition to a variety of instruments from the accordion family, the display includes original manuscripts, rare recordings, a 300 piece Accordion Figurine Collection and other accordion related items. The 'Accordion Gems' display by Kevin Friedrich was dedicated and opened on the 3rd December 2006. The Grand Opening of New Music Wing at the Dargaville Museum was held on the 21st October 2007 and the launching of Accordion Gems Exhibit in beautiful Kauri timber display cabinets was opened on 29th March 2009.  An annual fundraising concert titled 'An Afternoon with Kevin Friedrich and Friends' has been held annually since 2007 enjoying great popularity with the local community.For the 40th Anniversary of the NZAA in 2011, Kevin Friedrich organised a major historical display of the history of the NZAA and the accordion in New Zealand which ran for most of the 2011 year. In 2021 there will be an expansion of the 'Accordion Gems' to fit in the newer instruments and other accordion related items that have been added to the extensive collection of over 250 accordions. Dargaville Museum contact information for opening hours. Address: Harding Park, 32 Mount Wesley Coast Rd, Dargaville 0371, New Zealand. Phone: +64 9 439 7555 Email: info@dargavillemuseum.co.nz Website: www.dargavillemuseum.co.nz |
