The Pioneer Memorial Museum operated by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers will have a Grand Opening and Rededication on October 8, 2010, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. at 300 N. Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. Parking at West side of Utah State Capitol. Shuttle offered.
The Museum has been closed for renovation since May of 2010. Events at the Celebration will include live re-enactments of women in settings with antique furniture and furnishings; a fashion show of clothing from 1847 – 1960 when the Pioneer Museum was first opened. Storytelling of early and late pioneers, and the opportunity to tour the Museum with docents.
The Museum holds about 100,000 relics and artifacts, 2,500 paintings and about 25,000 photo negatives that all relate to the early Mormon era (1847-May 1869). It is one of the largest museums of its kind in the United States. Viewing of databases of histories and photos will have computer access.
The public is invited to attend. The Museum does not charge an admission fee.
There are over 86 DUP museums where pioneer artifacts are displayed and histories and photos are filed and available for families to purchase that are operated and maintained by the members, the largest of which is in Salt Lake City.
The Society has over 100,000 histories of pioneers, as well as thousands of photographs of these venerable men, women and children. The histories have been recently digitized for preservation purposes.
DUP Museum built and dedicated 23 July 1950, shortly thereafter it was deeded to the State of Utah, and subsequently maintained by the State. It was patterned after the original Theater built by Brigham Young had built.
The Museum was in need of an electrical system upgrade to accommodate modern needs, painting, step repair and general renovation, while adding protection to the priceless antiques and historical material it contains. The Capitol Preservation Board has managed this project.
The Pioneer Memorial Museum has 4 floors and a carriage house, thousands of antiques and artifacts, Over 100,000 pioneer histories, thousands of photographs of pioneers, plus books, maps, and local histories. In addition the DUP maintains 86 museums throughout Utah.
The Museum (and all the others) are operated by the International Society of Utah Pioneers. It was started in 1901 by Annie Taylor Hyde, daughter of President John Taylor, and a group of women dedicated to preserving the pioneer’s unique heritage.