The Waihemo Museum is looking for ways the district can celebrate Palmerston's 140th anniversary next year.
Museum secretary Isabel McLew said it was hoped the Waihemo Community Board, Palmerston and East Otago people would help mark the anniversary.
The museum has attracted 2561 visitors since opening a year ago and its trustees raised more than $20,000 in grants and donations in the first year.
Still, more money is needed to buy the large museum building next to the Palmerston railway station.
It was currently rented and on the market, said Waihemo museum trustee and chief fundraiser Alan Matchett, of Palmerston. Further grants to assist with the purchase of the museum building were being sought.
The next fundraiser, a debate involving Waitaki councillors and MP Jacqui Dean, would be held soon, Mrs McLew said.
Several major loans and donations of material have been made to the museum.
The Ross family, of Palmerston, has loaned Trevor Ross' vast collection of local history material.
Bill Thomas, of Wellington, donated his family history book In the spirit of their age, which includes chapters on his grandfather Dr Theo Thomas, a GP in Palmerston from 1917 to 1950.
