Visitors to Sanpete County are encouraged to seek out one of Utah’s jewels, The Fairview Museum of History and Art. Too big for just one building, the exhibits fill two large buildings, the Heritage and Horizon buildings and grounds located at 85 North 100 East.

Heritage

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, knick-knacks, and piano; a fully furnished bedroom; a complete kitchen; and one unusual room shows an 1800s dentist office (try not to wince when you see it).

Horizon

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 center piece, 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.

On the grounds

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.

About FMHA

Fairview Museum of History and Art (FMHA) 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 North 100 East, or call (435) 427-9216. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.