American Samoa: Sogelau Monument Project

American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities Executive Director Tiumaluali’i Mary Taufete’e (right) with artist and board member Reggie Meredith-Fitiao in front of model of Sogelau Monument/Samoan village under construction at Museum of American Samoa. Photo courtesy American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities

The American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities (ASCACH) is assisting Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga’s office with the Sogelau Monument Project near the Jean P. Haydon Museum in the village of Fagatogo. As part of its portfolio, ASCACH is responsible for managing the museum programs and preservation of the Sogelau estate, a government-owned area located near the museum that serves as the site for the new project.

This project underscores ASCACH’s mission of preserving Samoan arts, culture and traditions. The new buildings will provide spaces for traditional practices such as the Ava ceremony (a solemn ritual in which a ceremonial beverage is shared to mark important occasions in Samoan society), educational workshops and demonstrations on Samoan heritage, sales of locally made handcrafts, community events and tourist activities at the Jean P. Haydon Museum. It also will enhance the surroundings of the museum, a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

The new Sogelau Monument will not only be a focal point for tourism, an essential industry for American Samoa, but also will serve as a significant symbol for local residents, reflecting the great pride American Samoans have in their history and in being citizens of the United States. Critical to the success of this special project are the vision and leadership of the Honorable Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga as well as collaboration with the American Samoa Historic Preservation Office. For more information on the initiative, contact American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities Executive Director Dr. Mary Taufete’e or Arts in Education Manager Tasi Sunia.