National Headquarters
In 1900, Senator Reed Smoot made the first attempts to initiate the concept of The Sons of Utah Pioneers. Parley P. Jenson tried again in 1910. Neither attempt was successful, but these efforts kept the idea alive. In 1928, the forerunner to the George Albert Smith Chapter, called “The Sons,” was organized in Provo, Utah. The Sons of Utah Pioneers was officially organized on March 29, 1933, as a state and local organization in a small office. The Constitution and Bylaws of the organization were published in 1934, and Lawrence T. Epperson of Salt Lake City, Utah, became the first president.
In 1935, under the direction of Nephi L. Morris, the idea of retracing the original pioneer trek from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Salt Lake City, Utah, during the 1947 Centennial observance was proposed. This early planning ultimately resulted in the spectacular cross-country re-enactment trek, spearheaded by then-national president Wendell Ashton. During the many years that have followed, each group of local and national officers has contributed their energies and talents to build this organization to its present status. The Sons of Utah Pioneers is now recognized as a venerable and respected contributor to the preservation of Pioneer history. Organized chapters are now found in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and Pennsylvania.
SUP TODAY
- Individual chapters meet monthly with wives and guests at a dinner meeting to enjoy fellowshipping with friends, interesting speakers about pioneer heritage, and musical programs.
- SUP Members enjoy “Treks” to see important pioneer sites and participate with their chapters in erecting monuments honoring special places or events in pioneer history.
- The National Convention is held once a year, usually in August or September. It is sponsored by one of the chapters and held in that chapter’s community. — The 2010 National Convention will be held October 2010 in St. George, Utah.
- Each chapter is governed by a president and other officers and board members. The National Society is presided over by a three-man executive council and a National Board of Area Vice Presidents. National Program Directors oversee major activity areas.