jean p. haydon museum

A small but very charming local museum giving a good background to local culture. Activity rooms for children.

Jean P Haydon Museum is a good museum to see a little of the culture and history of this part of Samoa. It is free and has quite a lot of artifacts, tools, sea boats, pictures and statuary.Not heaps of exhibits but it is quite a recent museum and the island isn't huge so doesn't have a huge collection yet.

It may be that it's an American Samoan thing, but the contrasts between this Museum and its formerly New Zealand-controlled Western Samoan counterpart are compelling. The Pago Pago building is in the traditional Samoan "fale" style, with a gracefully curved roof, blessed air-conditioning (a God-send in the stifling humidity we encountered) and - best of all- they sell good quality postcards, compared with the tired and misshapen ones they sell in the little booths as you exit the wharf from your cruise ship. They're also cheaper (US$1.00 per card) but, like the competition, there's very little about the scenery and more to di with culture (man sitting in front of his fale; boy smiling on Flag Day; traditional woven-palm basket; breadfruit looking like giant cojones; and an imposing Congregational Church that you'll see diagonally opposite the Museum as you exit right). The exhibits? Terribly disappointing, apart from the small cannon that commands the entrance. It's mostly portraits of distinguished personages in American Samoan history, but little (or no) explanation as to WHY they're important; very few ethnological artifacts; very few photographs of old Samoa or the capital. It's free, but really not worth it. The air-conditioning, however, and the postcards were appreciated.

I thought this museum could be more informative with more descriptions of the exhibits but there were some excellent artifacts it is more than a one room museum. Worth a visit when you are in town. I would also recommend the national park of America samoa visitor centre

I was walking through town on a hot day and spotted the museum and a "Free Admission" sign. The price was right! It appeared to be unattended. I certainly didn't see anyone. There were some interesting artifacts, but most exhibits lacked signage or descriptions. Without knowing what I was viewing, the trip through the small museum was quick. Okay, for the price, but needs work to make it a more informative and educational experience.

The museum is small, but an easy way to learn a little about local culture and customs. The information about tattooing was especially interesting. There was some traditional clothing on display, but probably the "biggest" attraction is not local, but the small moon rocks. A group of elementary school children were at the museum during our visit and they had great fun asking us to take their pictures.

The museum was unmanned while we were there. Small but interesting displays. While certainly not the highlight of the trip, with the limited number of things for tourists to do you might as well stop by. Can't swim in the ocean all day anyway. Too many beers will make you sick so go look at the moon rocks.

This is a great place to start your visit to American Samoa and learn about their rich history. Tour only takes about a hour and the staff was very friendly, knowledgeable and answered our questions.

The museum contains nice artifacts ranging from weapons to canoe making tools, to tattooing, to kava, etc., but very little signage. For example they show some musical instruments but don't talk about ceremonies/festivals where the instruments might be used. They show models of canoes but don't talk about the story of Tagaloa and the origin of Polynesia from the Manua islands.

The only "museum" in American Samoa, the Haydon Museum is small, sad, pitiful, and can be seen in 10 minutes or less. There are no signs on the exhibits, the workers there are lazy and uninterested in helping you. There are no titles or explanations about the paintings and art, and there are no brochures or books. The place is ramshackle and terribly uninviting. Don't waste your time here, I warn you.

My son loves visit there, they kept the most roots and history of how we become US territory, and the life before now. Amazing with the staff knowledge of the evidents of tradition and culture history. Thanks to the staff of JPH Museum. Keep up a great job. We need you folks to teach our young samoan of how great and proud to be a samoan.

This small Museum really helps one imagine what life was like in the islands of American Samoa. Take time to listen to the tour guides and to read the literature. It is a great way to spend some time.

The museum is small, but the treasures within are very revealing of American Samoa's colorful past!

Enjoy the history of TUTUILA and MANUA ,American Samoa.Lots of artifacts old pictures,etc.Named after the creator of the museum,a former first lady! A must see when in American Samoa!