Workers at the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum are literally picking up the pieces following a vandal's visit last week.
Several plates, bowls and saucers belonging to Brigham Young's personalized dish collection were shattered after a man reportedly walked into the museum and overturned a large china cabinet."It's a strange situation; nothing like this has ever happened here," said DUP International President Louise Green.
Green and several other women were working at the museum (300 N. Main) on Nov. 20 when a man in his 20s walked in and wandered to the back of the building.
"He didn't look suspicious, but he refused to sign the guest register when he entered, which concerned some of the (employees)," Green said.
Minutes later, workers heard a "huge crash" from the rear of the museum.
Green first thought a utility man making some building repairs had an accident. In fact, an 8-by-10 foot china cabinet had been tipped over - damaging much of the one-of-a-kind dishware.
As Green rushed to the sound, the man passed, calmly said, "I am alpha and omega," and walked out the door.
Employees called Capitol security, and Utah Highway Patrol troopers made an arrest a short time later.
Todd Eugene Anderson, 27, South Salt Lake, was later charged with criminal mischief, a second-degree felony. He has admitted to investigators that he deliberately did the damage, according to a 3rd District Court complaint.
Museum officials haven't determined the exact value of the shattered china but are certain it's worth several thousand dollars.
Green said the museum is planning on repairing the broken dishes. The china was used by Brigham Young and his family in one of his Salt Lake residences.