The Daughters of Utah Pioneers proudly present the Pioneer Memorial Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts dedicated to preserving the legacy of Utah’s early settlers. While numerous satellite museums managed by the DUP dot the landscape of Utah and beyond, the Pioneer Memorial Museum in Salt Lake City stands as a flagship institution, housing an unparalleled collection. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the indomitable spirit and material culture of the pioneers, this museum offers a compelling and free journey into the past.
Located at 300 N Main Street in Salt Lake City, the Pioneer Memorial Museum, often referred to as the DUP Museum, boasts the distinction of being the world’s largest collection of artifacts focused on a single subject: the Utah pioneers. Admission is generously offered free of charge, making this cultural gem accessible to all. Visitors should note that the research areas and photograph services are unavailable on Saturdays.
Plan Your Visit: Museum Hours and Departments
To make the most of your exploration, understanding the museum’s hours and departmental offerings is key.
- Museum Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm
For those interested in genealogical research, the History Department is an invaluable resource. Here, visitors can delve into documents and historical records pertaining to their pioneer ancestors. To ensure ample research time, it is recommended to arrive before 3 pm. The History Department operates from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:00 pm, and is closed on weekends.
The Photograph Department houses a rich visual archive. Given staffing considerations, it is advisable to call ahead (801-532-6479 ext. 206) to confirm availability, especially for specific research visits. Generally, the department is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 am to 3:30 pm. It’s always prudent to call or email beforehand to guarantee service. For those unable to visit in person, the Photo Index is accessible online and at the museum for placing orders. Prepayment is required, and orders are fulfilled as staffing permits.
Accessibility and Practicalities
Reaching the museum is convenient with public transportation. Bus route 500 provides complimentary access, stopping at the northeast corner of Main Street and North Temple, a short distance from the museum uphill. For visitors with mobility needs, the museum offers full wheelchair accessibility.
Please be aware of museum restrictions: cameras, video recorders, and personal scanners are not permitted within the museum premises or the carriage house, ensuring the preservation of the artifacts and the visitor experience. For detailed directions to the museum at 300 North Main Street, Salt Lake City, further resources are available.
Stepping Back in Time: Exploring the Collections
The Pioneer Memorial Museum’s claim to fame rests on its extensive and meticulously curated collection of pioneer artifacts. The exhibits transport visitors back to the era from the arrival of the first settlers in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake to the momentous joining of the transcontinental railroads at Promontory Point, Utah, on May 10, 1869.
Entering the museum is akin to stepping into history itself. On display are the tangible remnants of a resilient people who undertook a remarkable 2,000-mile westward migration from Nauvoo, Illinois, and journeyed from diverse corners of the globe, all in pursuit of religious freedom and the vision of building a thriving city in the Salt Lake Valley and surrounding regions.
Visitors are often surprised by the breadth and depth of the pioneer material culture showcased. While the museum certainly features utilitarian objects crafted from the limited resources available in early Utah, it also reveals a fascinating record of surprisingly refined decorative arts. Pioneers meticulously transported cherished luxury items – from delicate crystal salt cellars to grand pianos – across vast distances. These treasured possessions, reminders of “home” and loved ones left behind, are proudly displayed. Furthermore, the ingenuity of pioneer craftsmen shines through in their adaptable use of local materials. They fashioned beautiful pine furniture, skillfully painted to mimic more expensive woods like mahogany. Early Utah residents also possessed fine goods acquired through overland trade or later via the railroad. From rugged, homespun necessities to elaborate Victorian décor, the Pioneer Memorial Museum presents the full spectrum of the material world of these tenacious pioneers.
The Daughters of Utah Pioneers, established in 1901, remain dedicated to the preservation of the history and artifacts of their pioneer forebears. The Pioneer Memorial Museum stands as the premier repository of pioneer memorabilia in the Intermountain West. Its holdings encompass paintings by prominent Utah artists, pioneer portraits, firearms, quilts, flags, furniture, books, clothing, samplers, a Conestoga wagon, medical and dental instruments, a stagecoach, a 1902 fire engine, sewing machines, the original carved eagle from Eagle Gate, a coach from Yellowstone Park, artifacts linked to Johnston’s Army, the Mormon Battalion, Nauvoo Legion, the Spanish-American War, and a wealth of other captivating exhibits. Notably, the museum also houses an impressive collection of Victorian hair art, including intricate wall wreaths and jewelry, offering a unique glimpse into pioneer artistic expression and mourning practices.
Directions to the Museum at 300 North Main Street Salt Lake City.
