Preserving Sanpete's Heritage for 58 Years

Founded in 1966 by Golden Sanderson and Lindon Graham, the Fairview Museum of History and Art is one of Utah's largest and most notable museums. The museum is located at 55 North 100 East in scenic Fairview, Utah.


The museum campus includes three buildings: the modern Horizon Building and two historical structures: the Heritage Building and the Rawlinson Building. There are also outdoor displays of early farm equipment, blacksmith tools, wagons, and vehicles, as well as sculptures and monuments.


Exhibits

The museum is home to the world's largest collection of works by famed sculptor Avard Fairbanks, including his noted "Love and Devotion" sculpture, which celebrates Fairview residents Peter and Celestia Peterson. The museum also boasts a large collection of the works of internationally known wildlife painter and sculptor Clark Bronson.


Many permanent collections from regional artists are on display, as well as a rotating gallery of contemporary works by local artists.


In addition to showcasing art, the museum has an extensive collection of historical artifacts, photographs, and documents. Other exhibits include historical fashion, military, agricultural, mining, educational, industrial, and commercial collections.


In 1988 a complete 15,000-year-old Columbian Mammoth skeleton was unearthed 18 miles east of Fairview at Huntington Reservoir. This massive artifact is the focal point of the Horizon Building. Other natural history exhibits include minerals, fossils, and seashells from around the world.


The museum has a collection of Native American artifacts as well as artifacts from other early cultures. Also on display are many pioneer-era relics, including a boulder engraved and dated by famous explorer Kit Carson.


Newsletter

The museum publishes a monthly newsletter containing information on upcoming events, new exhibits, classes, and more. You can subscribe for free and receive the newsletter in your email each month. Learn more and sign up here.


Events

Each year during the week of July 24th, the museum becomes a hub of community activity. Among the annual festivities hosted at the museum are the Utah Beauty and Heritage Artwalk, a classic car show, Lace Days, raffles, and special Pioneer Day exhibits.


Concerts and other entertainment are periodically presented at the museum by students from Snow College and other local performers.


Every 6 to 8 weeks a new display of works by a local artist is set up in the Rotating Artists Gallery. A public reception is held the first day of each showing, where visitors can meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments.


Hours of Operation

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday year-round, and staffed by volunteer guides. Hours vary with the season, with extended times in the summer. Current hours of operation can be found on the Home Page.


Museum Board and Staff

The Fairview Museum of History and Art is a nonprofit (501C3) institution operated by a volunteer, working board of trustees.


Corporate Officers


Board of Directors

Current board members include Branch Cox, Claudia Fossum, Blake Madsen, Cliff Wheeler, Rinda Thompson, Lenore Frodsham, Bonnie Sheffield, Jill Bingham, Allen Nelson, Maria Ricks, Chad Johnson, Melinda Ostraff, and Jared Sorensen.


The board generally meets the third Monday of each month at 11:00 am in the Horizon Building.


Committees and Volunteer Staff

In addition to the officers and board members, the museum has several working committees as well as many volunteer guides and substitutes. We are always looking for additional volunteers to serve on committees and help staff the museum.