As part of the 150th Gold Celebrations next March, the celebration committee is planning an exhibition of stories, photographs and artefacts depicting the lives of goldminers and early settlers in Lawrence, and is asking the public to contribute.
Tuapeka Goldfields Museum Inc chairwoman Vallory Brook said the celebrations were a great opportunity to unearth the treasures families might have hidden away.
"They may have pictures, and know they are of Lawrence, but not know what they are.
"We would love to see them," she said.
Mrs Brook said the museum was looking for historic photographs and papers relating to goldmining and life in early Lawrence.
They were also interested in hearing stories about other early Lawrence industries, she said.
Mrs Brook had been contacted recently by a woman with a gold ring which featured an inset gold nugget, crafted by a Lawrence jeweller.
She was also aware of brooches that featured inset gold nuggets, and was keen to add photographs and stories of jewellery pieces to the museum collection.
Celebration committee chairman Wayman Roughan said gathering stories and artefacts from the past was vital to the celebration.
"[It] will provide visitors and the local community with a fascinating insight into the region's unique heritage," he said.
Artefacts and stories will be displayed at the Goldrush Heritage Centre over four days in March next year.
