Any historian will tell you that the best way to learn the most accurate information about any historical event is to learn it from primary sources: people who were actually there when the event occurred. The more primary sources, the better, compiling firsthand accounts, and seeing the truth as it actually occurred. That’s why organizations like the Utah Black History Museum are so important. 

Rae Duckworth, current President and Exhibit Coordinator of the museum has been with the organization since 2020 when it was founded, and she was a volunteer. In addition to being the first Utah Black History Museum, however, there’s something extremely unique about the museum: it’s mobile. “We’re going to bring Black History to you,” said Duckworth, and for the past four years, that’s exactly what they’ve been doing.

The museum has been fulfilling its mission to “actively support marginalized communities” throughout the state, including events in Davis County, and across the region. From commemorations and celebrations to school events and field trips, the museum has been building bridges and telling the stories of Black Utahns from the very beginning.  

As with Black History in any place in America, there can be topics that are uncomfortable. Racism, prejudice, and slavery pervade the events of the early 19th century, and Utah is no exception. So, how does an organization like the Utah Black History Museum approach such topics? “We just tell the truth,” said Duckworth. “We don’t shy away from telling the truth.” This practice is important not only from a historical perspective but also demonstrates both responsibility and integrity.

Integrity like that helps ensure that those visiting the exhibits not only gain an understanding but also present attendees with the opportunity to join in the fight against racism and bigotry in modern institutions as well. It all starts, says Duckworth, with the rising generation, “children are always the priority,” she said, and the amazing experiences she has witnessed on field trips, have shown that education on Black History is integral. 

Like the story, she related in which a young white girl learned about her namesake, Jane Manning James, a prominent figure in Black History in Utah. Not only did that young girl learn about Manning James, but her classmates, some of whom were black, learned too, and they grew closer as a community, and in understanding of one another. It’s crucial, because as Duckworth said, “Black history is American History,” and it’s a history that is being told because of the museum.

There are, however, only so many stories that can be told in the mobile museum, “If we had a brick and mortar location,” Duckworth said, “We could fill it.” Duckworth and her team have been fortunate to be entrusted as caretakers to many artifacts, photographs, and stories that they are busily archiving, and hope to one day display permanently. That is precisely what many of their donations go toward but until then, Duckworth and her team will continue to tell the story of Black Utahns from “pre-pioneer to current day.”

The Utah Black History Museum is the first and only of its kind in the state, and travels around the region, educating and illuminating the public on Black History in Utah. More information on the museum, its mission, how to get involved, or information on donating to the museum can be found at ​​www.ubhm.org.