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Hawaiian Vacation for Two!
The Best Museum on the Big Island
Published: 08/09/2007
The Lyman Museum began in the Lyman Mission House, originally built in 1839 for New England missionaries David and Sarah Lyman. It is an oversight to label these two talented and highly self-disciplined people as just missionaries for they truly were ambassadors of love. Their influence made a positive impact on the Hilo community. The Mission House is the oldest frame building on the Big Island. And its framing will really surprise you when you take a good look at its design. It includes many original furnishings and household items that depict missionary life in the mid- 1800's. What would a 19th century family use for light, plumbing or the other necessities of life in Hawai‘i? Find out on a guided tour of this fascinating historical site. Tours are scheduled on the hour from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm with the exception of noon.
Nearly 100 eventful years later, in 1931, the museum was established by the descendants of David and Sarah Lyman. They gave new meaning to “movers and shakers” by literally having the house moved from its original site to its present location next to the Lyman Museum. Today the Mission House has been restored and is on the State and National registers of Historic Places. The nationally accredited and Smithsonian affiliated Lyman Museum features internationally renowned collections and state-of-the-art exhibitions on many aspects of Hawaii's natural history and culture.
The Earth Heritage Gallery is designed to discover how the Hawaiian Islands were formed and how unique the volcanoes are. Walk through the lava tube display and enter into an experience of the Habitats of Hawai‘i. You can travel from alpine snow to open ocean. The exhibit includes full size models of sea-life found in Hawaiian waters, including a 10-foot tiger shark! If you are ready to leave the museum and you did not see the only display in the world of the bones of two flightless birds unique to Hawai‘i - the Hawaiian Rail and a flightless goose – then ask any of the docents where it is located. That is a “must see” while you are there. Just a hint, on the other side of the gallery you will find the world famous mineral and gem collection of Orlando Lyman. This collection is one of the top ten in the world. It includes Orlymanite, a rare mineral fully identified in 1987 and named for the collector, Orlando Lyman, great grandson of David and Sarah Lyman.
The Island Heritage Gallery explores the ethnically diverse world of Hawai‘i. Poi pounders and other native Hawaiian artifacts are on display as well as cultural items from other world cultures. A long-term special exhibit, Grandfather's House, is a hands-on, full-scale replica of a rural Korean home. It offers a great experience for the whole family as you explore life in Korea during the 1930s. The Shipman Collection of Chinese Art includes some pieces that are as much as 3,000 years old! And there is something for everyone in the museum gift shop. Your trip to the Big Island will not be complete until you have spent some time at the Lyman Museum and Mission House.
Open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
276 Haili St., Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 935-5021
Web site: www.lymanmuseum.org
Locations
Big Island
Photo Gallery - The Best Museum on the Big Island
Click here for Slideshow. You can also click on any of the photos to start slideshow.
