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Jean P. Haydon Museum: A Cultural Gem in American Samoa

Explore American Samoa's rich heritage at the Jean P. Haydon Museum, featuring Samoan artifacts, Apollo mission exhibits, and historical insights.

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The Jean P. Haydon Museum in Fagatogo is a treasure trove of Samoan history and culture. Named after the wife of a former governor, it showcases traditional artifacts, historical photos, and unique exhibits like moon rocks from the Apollo missions, offering visitors a comprehensive view of the island's heritage.

A brief summary to Jean P Haydon Museum

Local tips

  • Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and more personalized attention from the museum staff.
  • Check the museum's website or call ahead to inquire about any special exhibits or cultural events happening during your visit.
  • Consider combining your museum visit with a stroll around Fagatogo to fully experience local life and explore nearby markets.
  • Engage with the museum staff; they can provide invaluable insights and stories about the exhibits and Samoan culture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Jean P. Haydon Museum is located in the heart of Fagatogo, directly across from the main post office. From the Fagatogo Market, walk north towards the main road. The museum will be on your left, a short walk from the market. There is no admission fee.

  • Public Transport

    Local 'aiga' buses converge on the downtown Pago Pago area from both sides of the island and stop near the Fagatogo Market. From the market, walk north towards the main road. The museum will be on your left, a short walk from the market. Bus fares are between $0.50 and $2.50. Check with the driver for the exact fare.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at the Pago Pago Market and can be flagged down from the road. Ask the driver to take you to the Jean P. Haydon Museum in Fagatogo, across from the main post office. Confirm the fare before starting your trip; a short ride within Fagatogo should cost around $2-$5.

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Discover more about Jean P Haydon Museum

Located in the heart of Fagatogo, American Samoa, the Jean P. Haydon Museum stands as a vital repository of local history and culture. The museum is named after Jean P. Haydon, who was instrumental in starting the museum with a collection of local art and artifacts. The museum is housed in Navy Building 43, constructed in 1917 as the U.S. Naval Station Tutuila Commissary. The building itself is historically significant, built with locally fashioned rusticated concrete blocks. It served as the naval base's commissary until 1950 and later became the island's main post office until 1971. The museum's collections include canoes, coconut-shell combs, pigs' tusk armlets, and native pharmacopoeia. Exhibits also cover natural history, tapa making, traditional tattooing, war clubs, kava bowls, and historic photographs. A portion of the museum is dedicated to the island's history with the Apollo missions, displaying lunar rocks brought from the Moon and an American Samoa flag carried by Apollo 11. The museum is the official repository for collections of artifacts for American Samoa and hosts numerous cultural resource activities. It provides a comprehensive view of the evolution of Samoan society, from the pre-colonial era to contemporary life.

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