Savant Peek at the U. today

As an audience Friday asked Peek unrehearsed questions, he was able to spout replies such as historical dates and tell on what day of the week any date in history happened. Movie facts and opera knowledge also are in his repertoire. He has studied so many maps that he seems to know any U.S. road and connecting street. After answering a question, he almost always shouts out "thank you!" at the end.

Even the Deseret Morning News history came up and he immediately recalled the 1850 date of the newspaper's start, as well as interaction he had decades ago with a News reporter, the late Lavor Chaffin. What did he think of Hoffman's movie portrayal? "It was really great. It was a good movie," Peek said.

Regular museum admission applies today to Peek's visit — $6 for adults, $3.50 for children and no charge for U. of U. students, faculty and staff.

Kim Peek has interacted with an estimated 2.2 million people over the years. Those interested in having him talk to a group can contact his father, Fran Peek, at 262-4784.

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E-mail: lynn@desnews.com