SALT LAKE CITY—As July 24 approaches thoughts turn to the pioneers who settled this valley in 1847. In conjunction with the celebration of that event, the Pioneer Memorial Museum will mark its 75th anniversary. The museum, run by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP), sits across from the State Capitol at 300 North Main.

As part of the Days of ‘47 the museum will be holding its annual open house on July 24 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

“That gives people time to go to the parade and other events and get home for afternoon activities,” said Julie Thompson, Executive Board Committee Chairman for the museum. “This is extra special because it’s been 75 years since the museum was created.”

The museum started collecting artifacts in 1897, the 50th year of the first pioneers to come to the valley, during a celebration for the Pioneer Jubilee Semi-Centennial, she said. “Several people brought relics, some were descendants of the pioneers. Some of the artifacts were left behind and needed to be preserved and taken care of.”

In 1901, Anne Taylor Hyde and others made an effort to not only display relics but pioneers’ written histories, Thompson said. “The museum has more than 100,000 artifacts and 43,000 written histories. There are also 30,000 portraits. Families who are struggling to find a history or photo come see us.”

Brigham Young's Council Wagon used as he led the Vanguard Company in 1847. Courtesy photo

 One significant artifact is the Council Wagon, she said. “It’s part of the Brigham Young Vanguard Company. The company was the first one that came into the valley in 1847. It was rescued in a field in Arizona where it was being dismantled. We’re proud to have it in the museum.”

Another is a case devoted to Hilda Erickson, the last living pioneer until she died in 1968, said Thompson. “I think she was 107. She was a young child when she came. A person is considered to be a pioneer up until 1969.”

The museum has a fire engine restored by men in the Bountiful Fire Department, she said. “It’s a 1930 steam fire engine that’s been repaired and restored. It’s beautiful.”

The two-headed lamb is a popular artifact. Courtesy photo

 Thompson said the museum also has the original Eagle Gate. “Another very popular artifact is our two-headed lamb. People who come always ask about that. It was donated by someone who had done taxidermy. It’s not the most beautiful or valuable but it is the most remembered in the collection.” 

In the beginning there was a public call for artifacts, she said. “Now they come to us. The Church History Museum doesn’t always have space so sometimes the church curator will steer families to us.”

The Church History Museum is specific to the church, said Thompson. “We’re telling the entire story of Utah, Native Americans, etc. The Church History Museum is very supportive. We work together a lot and complement each other.”

The Pioneer Memorial Museum also has weaponry and military artifacts, she said. “We have Brigham Young’s son’s sword from West Point. We’re excited about that.”

The museum does not purchase the artifacts, Thompson said. “Everything is donated. We don’t go out and find artifacts, they find us. Families approach us with something they found in a closet or grandma’s attic. They donate that to us so that all of the family can see it anytime. Some even leave a donation in their will.”

Women of the DUP raised matching funds during the Depression and World War II, she said. “They didn’t have enough money so they began selling a book with pioneer stories. They’ve done that continuously since the 1930s.”

This 1902 steam fire engine is on display at the Pioneer Memorial Museum. It was restored in 1994 by the Bountiful Fire Department under the direction of Brent Palmer. Courtesy photo

 The museum also has the original curtain from the Salt Lake Theatre that was torn down in 1928, said Thompson. “The facade resembles the theater and the curtain is hanging just as it would have been in the theatre.”

There will be storytelling and giveaways at the open house, Thompson said. “The Days of ‘47 royalty will be there. The DUP hosts the pageant at the museum every year.”

The Pioneer Memorial Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information visit https://www.dupinternational.org/.