Nan Owen is the patron of the Ōtorohanga Museum, it is due to her avid collecting that we have the collection at the Museum.  Nan Owen has contributed two stints of service to the museum spanning about 30 years. She was key to fundraising and establishing the Waka House and co-ordinating the protection of this extraordinary prized exhibit - the unfinished Waka.
 

Colin 'Spud' Murphy - the Museum's maintenance and "Mr Fix It" man - and amazing supporter of the Museum for many years , Nan's trusty side-kick.

'Uncle' Bill Millar - provided his taxi office for the public relations group who initiated the establishment of the museum. This became the venue for the group's meetings. When the unused court house was up for demolition or removal, he launched a bottle collection which raised $100  to purchase the building.

Engineer Darcy Lupton took on the monumental task of moving the court house from Balance St (next to the Post Office - now Bailey Ingham Accountants) to its present site in Kakamutu Rd.  

Local lawyer Mick Powell chaired OMS through its establishment phase.
He also wrote the booklet "The Early Days of Otorohanga".

Jack Corbett served as custodian/curator through the 1980's and made significant contributions sharing the district's history through the Waitomo News leading up to and during the centennial celebrations in 1985.