Jean P. Haydon Museum, History museum in Fagatogo, American Samoa.
The Jean P. Haydon Museum occupies a former naval building and houses over 650 objects, artifacts, and artworks depicting Samoan traditions. The collection spans textiles, pottery, tools, and personal items that document different periods of Samoan life.
The building originated in 1919 as Navy Building 43 and initially functioned as a commissary storage facility and later as a post office. It transformed into a museum in 1971 to preserve Samoan history and cultural heritage.
The collection displays handwoven fine mats, traditional kava bowls, and coconut-shell combs that show how Samoan craftspeople created everyday and ceremonial items. These objects reflect the materials and techniques that shaped daily life in early Samoan society.
The museum sits directly across from the post office in Fagatogo and is easy to locate. Visitors should plan for weekday visits and allow enough time to explore the collection thoroughly.
The museum holds lunar rocks and a Samoan flag that traveled to the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. These items were gifted by President Richard Nixon and connect the island's story to space exploration.
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