There is a lot to do at the John Hutching Museum of Natural History for first-time visitors to Lehi, Utah. John Hutchings and his wife Eunice donated to the museum in 1955, marking the beginning of museum. Native American artifacts, minerals, rocks, shells, fossils, eggs, stuffed birds, and pioneer goods were all distributed here. The collection is still expanding today because to in-kind donations from John Hutchings’ friends. As other people donated their items, the collection grew even more. It features interactive touch and feel displays that encourage hands-on learning. When you combine it with the individualized attention of experienced docents, a visit to the Hutchings Museum is an unforgettable and exciting experience.
History of John Hutchings Museum
Founded by John Hutchings, the Hutchings Museum features cultural and natural items from all around the world. John was a lifetime adventurer and collector who was born in 1889. In 1956, he gave his vast collection to the residents of Lehi, where it is presently kept in the Veterans Memorial Building close to the city center. Other people have given their collections to the Museum, which has allowed the collection to continue expanding. Now including a number of new interactive, touch-and-feel displays, the Hutchings Museum offers a hands-on learning environment. Include the individualized attention of our experienced instructors.
John Hutchings Museum- Timing, Fees, Contact Details
| Name | John Hutchings Museum |
| Location | 55 N Center Street Lehi, UT 84043 |
| Timings | Tuesday, Friday, Saturday: 11 am to 5 pm Wednesday, Thursday: 11 am to 8:00 pm |
| Admission fees | Guest 13 and older $8 > Guests 3-12 $6 > |
| Contact Details | Phone (801) 768-7361 [email protected] |
Rooms in John Hutchings Museum
The John Hutchings Museum has six rooms, specifically:
- The Fossil and Shell Room – A tooth, coprolite, dinosaur bones, and a fragment of a Wooly Mammoth’s tusk are among the artifacts on display in the Fossil and Shell Room. This area displays a diverse range of corals, shells, sea urchins, and other South Sea antiquities, including the tools used by the locals for hunting and habitation.
- The Bird and Egg Room– One of Utah’s best collections of bird eggs may be found here. In addition to mounted animal and bird specimens that are actively on exhibit in the collection, there are trays and cases containing over 400 clutches of Utah County bird eggs.
- Rock and Mineral Room – There are hundreds of examples of minerals in the Rock and Mineral Room.
- Wild West Room– There were expanding speakeasies, gambling dens, and brutal killings in Lehi’s Wild West Room. When the town’s initial prison was constructed in 1930, it was relocated to its current site by 1957. The prison was operational until the early 1980s. Visitors to the John Hutchings Museum of Natural History may immerse themselves in this interactive display.
- Native American Room- Native American knives, bead drills, hide scrapers, arrows, spear points, and flaking tools are displayed here. Also on show are clay pots and baskets made of grass and crimson.
- The Pioneer Room– It is the last stop, where guests may view the rudimentary equipment that the explorers and adventurers of the past employed. Along with service items and glassware that are on exhibit, there are log cabin dwellings here as well. You may also anticipate stoves, stage coach foot warmers, candle snuffers, and school slates. The exhibit of weapons that the Pioneers utilized is what makes this location even more impressive.
Mission- Core Values of John Hutchings Museum
- Preservation and Restoration: The museum catalog and arrange items for the public’s future enjoyment and education. It restores and preserve damaged objects and photographs for the public’s future enjoyment, inspiration, and education.
- Conservation: John Hutchings Museum believe in maintaining the surrounding natural environment via education and opportunities for citizens to engage in local wildlife conservation programs.
- Exploration: As per John Hutchings Museum learning comes from doing and they will provide the public opportunity to engage in trips, classes, workshops, and initiatives that will inspire and educate them.
- Stewardship: The museum have been entrusted with a large number of historical photos, tales, and artifacts. We accept this duty and work to make it available to future generations, both in person and digitally.
John Hutchings Museum- Vision
It is becoming into an attraction of community learning and entertainment, the Museum’s teaching approach aims to foster curiosity, a spirit of discovery, and animal protection.
- Provide educational programs and learning opportunities.
- Present fascinating exhibitions and programs on history, natural sciences, people and cultures, and conservation.
- Create and disseminate new information and research via exhibits, publications, and web-based platforms.
- Collect, conserve, and explain significant historical items, with an emphasis on regional and international history.
John Hutchings Museum- Goals and Objectives
- Strengthen and deepen the Museum’s community involvement.
- Expand the Museum’s audience to include people of all ages and backgrounds from Lehi and Utah County.
- Increase involvement among low-income, special needs, ESL, and military groups.
- Increase access, accessibility, and visibility in the community by conducting focused outreach initiatives.
- Form alliances with other non-profit groups that share your objectives.
- Develop more strategic partnerships with community leaders.
For Interns
You can learn firsthand at the Hutchings Museum, which is a great spot to go if you are searching for things to do in Lehi. Interactive exhibitions are available for individuals to explore directly, with dedicated interns guiding them at all times. The museum also offers internships to students specializing in biology, history, geology, archaeology, anthropology, or paleontology. The interns will be in charge of guiding guests, marketing the exhibitions, cataloging artifacts, conducting informative tours, and much more.