[2] It also houses exhibits on natural history, tapa making, traditional tattooing, as well as a collection of war clubs, kava bowls, and historic photographs.

[4] The museum is located on the north side of Route 1 in Fagatogo, American Samoa, roughly opposite the main post office.

The building served as the naval base's commissary until 1950, when it was turned over to civilian administration and converted to the island's main post office.

The post office moved to new facilities, and in 1971 the building was opened as the museum, which is named for the wife of then-governor John M. Haydon.

The flag and Moon rocks were given as a gift to American Samoa by President Richard Nixon following the return of the Apollo missions.

[17][18] Among its prized exhibits is the Fala o Futa, an exquisite fine mat reputed to be the first of its kind in Sāmoa, donated by Senate President H.C. Salanoa S.P.

The museum also houses significant historical relics, including a cannon from the Kaimiloa, a 171-ton steamer that was the only warship in the fleet of King Kalākaua of Hawai'i.

These cannons, originally brought to Sāmoa as part of the Hawaiian Kingdom's display of power, played a key role in local defense when the people of Aunuʻu Island used them to repel an invading canoe fleet from Tutuila during the Samoan Civil War.