The American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities has opened a special exhibition called ‘America 250’ that focuses on the territory’s journey with the United States. A key feature of the display is the re-introduction of the origins of the Jean P. Haydon Museum.
The museum’s story began in 1969 when gifts given to Gov. John Haydon and First Lady Jean were first displayed on the first floor of the Governor’s mansion. The public was invited to tour the exhibit starting January 7, 1970.
In 1971, the Fono officially recognized the display as the ‘Museum of American Samoa.’ Two years later, with local funding and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the collection moved to the old naval commissary, where it remains today.
The official opening ceremony took place on Flag Day, April 17, 1973. In 1974, the Fono approved a referendum to rename it the Jean P. Haydon Museum, honoring the former first lady.
Article and image source: samoanews.com
