A Big suprise in a tiny town fairviewmuseum.org If you are traveling Highway 89 and are interested in the history of this Mormon Pioneer Heritage area, then you have to make a stop at the Fairview Museum of History and Art (FMHA) located in the tiny town of Fairview. Visitors usually remark that they were pleasantly surprised by the size and quality of the collection at this out-of-the-way museum. It’s a testament to the dedication that Utah residents, as a culture, have to preserving history. The museum is divided between two buildings: the Heritage and Horizon buildings and grounds located at 85 N. 100 East. The Heritage Building is a former school built in 1900, where visitors can explore room after room of displays on two floors. There are thousands of historical artifacts, and over 100 pieces of art created by world-renowned sculptor Avard T. Fairbanks, which Dr. Fairbanks donated to the museum. Fairbanks sculptures are displayed world-wide, many in Washington D.C. He also sculpted many larger-than-life size works representing major events in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many of the rooms in the Heritage building display settings from the 1800s; a sitting room including furniture, knickknacks and piano; a fully furnished bedroom, a complete kitchen and one unusual room which shows an 1800’s dentist office. The more contemporary Horizon Building houses regional art, including the Rotating Artists Gallery that features the artistic creations of selected artists and changes every six weeks. Also in the Horizon Building are historical displays such as the Blackhawk Indian War, a large Clark Bronson bronze collection, an impressive shell and rock collection and historical and genealogical library collections. But it’s hard to miss the centerpiece, an enormous mammoth skeleton that was discovered just 13 miles from Fairview. Another unusual display is the history of turkeys in the region, starting with how they were used by the Native American culture. There is also a small history library, as well as a gift shop, and collection of books about local history. Outside, visitors can see a large display of antique machinery and wagons, including a horse-drawn hearse and huge horse-drawn harvesting machines, many of which can be touched and explored. One visitor said, “When I first stopped, I was only planning on a short visit, we ended up staying over two hours because
of the quality. It’s not a professional museum but operates because of the love and dedication of the volunteers, which also adds to the charm. This museum is probably one of the best for a small town anywhere in the US. If you want to see and learn about anything from dinosaurs to arrowheads to art. Don’t pass it up!” Fairview Museum of History and Art has an all-volunteer staff and is funded by donations and grants. There is no entry fee to visit the museum, although donations are encouraged. To learn more about the museum visit the website, http:// fairviewmuseum.org, drop in for a visit at 85 N. 100 East, or call (435) 427-9216. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
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SANPETE COUNTY RECREATION GUIDE 2021 - 19
