New exhibit showcases Native American artifacts in Washington County

WASHINGTON, Washington County — When Kelly Paxman was a child growing up in the 1950s in Washington County, he recalled a doctor giving his dad some advice.

"The doctor suggested that (my dad) find a hobby that he could start because he was having a little trouble with stress at that time of his life," Paxman recalled. "Three to four years earlier, our family was out picking pine nuts, and my mother found an obsidian arrowhead. Dad, taking the doctor's advice, thought, 'That's a pretty good hobby. I think I'll start that.'"

That hobby of collecting Native American artifacts led to a large collection representing Native American tribes in the area — particularly the Anasazi and Shivwits Band of Paiute. That collection is now in the Washington City Historical Museum as part of a new exhibit titled, "Left Behind by the First People."

The museum has been open for the past 25 years, but closed for a few months in preparation to unveil the Native American-themed exhibit. The exhibit was announced at a grand reopening on Thursday.

"If done right, a museum is the greatest thing in a community," Paxman said at the reopening ceremony. "I had the thought for quite a few years, especially after my mother and father passed away, that this collection ... should be on display. It should be enjoyed and should be learned about and should be appreciated for the great people that made these artifacts. They should be where people can come in and look at them."

"I have the greatest admiration for these Native Americans that lived right here in this area where we live today," he continued. "Most of the Anasazis lived around the Virgin River. ... The Shivwits Band of Paiute live west of Ivins."

The display features pottery, arrowheads, jewelry and other artifacts, as well as descriptions of each. Most of the artifacts in the museum have come from the Paxon family's collection, with others being donated for display by members of the Shivwits Band.

Museum director Carmen Snow oversaw the renovations, and she said that she is excited for people to see it and the rest of the displays at the museum.

"The Shivwits Band has been really amazing to us," Snow told KSL. "When the settlers first came, they taught us how to raise corn and other things. The museum is a place where Washington history comes to life.

"Here you can step into the past. Here you can learn about our origins. Here you can explain centuries of stories that lead one to truly appreciate the sacrifices of the many who have called this place a home."

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