Huia Gwendoline Ryder (1905–1982)

Huia was born in Invercargill, New Zealand. In 1921, at the age of 16, she became a resident of Saint John and over the years, became a well known New Brunswick historian, collector, and writer. Huia became a member of the first art supervisory committee in 1952, and was was very active in the identification, and classifying of antiques, and art objects for the public. She also made an extensive study of New Brunswick materials in the fields of china, glass, and furniture. In 1953, she wrote a book entitled "Edward John Russell; Marine Artist." Huia contributed to Saint John, and New Brunswick in various ways. In 1957, she became the Art Curator at the New Brunswick Museum, and continued the position until 1964 when she choose to retire. She was later commissioned to furnish, and organize the old Barbour's General Store. Huia also wrote a regular column on collecting for the Fredericton Gleanor. In 1965, she wrote another book, titled "Antique Furniture." In 1966, she was honored by the American Association for State and Local History because of the book. Besides writing her own books, Huia contributed to numerous publications on history, and collecting both nationally and internationally. One such book was "Arts in NB" which was published in 1967. At the time of her death, Huia was working on a history of the Canadian Military through their distinctive buttons beginning in the early 18th century through to WWII, with the assistance of the Canada Council.