They'll temporarily be displayed at the Guam FSM Consulate office while new museum building is finished
Art Mergist, a former Peace Corps Volunteer and teacher in Yap during the 1970's, has donated his collection of historical artifacts including yearbooks from the school where he taught, paintings and a string of traditional shell money to the Yap Living History Museum in Colonia.
“We are very excited that construction of the new climate-controlled building will begin the first week of February,” said Don Evans, general manager of the Yap Visitors Bureau. “When completed, Mr. Mergeist’s collection will be displayed along with historical photos and other educational materials. We are looking forward to having not just visitors to Yap and residents, but also local schoolchildren visit the new addition to the museum to learn about Yap’s culture and heritage.”
Until the new building is finished later this year, the collection has been loaned to the FSM Consul General’s Office on Guam where it will be on display. Visitors are welcome to stop by the FSM Consulate office at, 1755 Army Drive Harmon, Dededo Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to view the artifacts.