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Anderson family returns artifacts found years ago in American Samoa

Earl Andersen (left) and Territorial Librarian, Justin Maga pictured yesterday at the Feleti Barstow Public Library where Andersen, on behalf of the Rev. Fred Andersen family, returned to the territory what appear to be stone artifacts
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Earl Andersen (left) and Territorial Librarian, Justin Maga pictured yesterday at the Feleti Barstow Public Library where Andersen, on behalf of the Rev. Fred Andersen family, returned to the territory what appear to be stone artifacts — found in American Samoa by his father, the late Rev. Fred Andersen, who was a missionary in American Samoa from 1961 to 1973. His son, Earl, was born in the old hospital in Utulei in 1962.

The initial information Samoa News received is that the late Rev. Andersen loved to work with his hands outdoors and when he was digging the foundation for a home and church on island — and leveling the ground, he found the stones. He kept them all these years until his passing.

Because the stones were found in American Samoa, the Reverend believed they were of importance to the Samoa culture and kept them.

Forty-five years later, Earl and his wife Lisa traveled to American Samoa to return the three stones.

According to Earl, “these stones belong on island in honor of Samoan culture, heritage, and history.” The stones will be displayed at the Feleti Barstow Public Library until the Jean B. Hayden Museum construction is completed and a proper display case is ready for the three stones.

Earl and his wife return to Atlanta, Georgia this week.