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Discovery Road – The Lost Tomahawk – Chief Sanpitch
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Discovery Road Visits Cowboy John in Nevada
Cowboy John of Cowboy John Tours was able to meet with James Nelson and the rest of the Discovery Road crew at a one room schoolhouse in Lee, Nevada during the shooting of the recent episode of Discovery Road, titled “Saints of Gold.”
Lee is located in Elko County, south of Elko and Interstate 80. Lee, considered a ghost town, was founded by brothers, Richard and Gus Lee in 1904, following the Bullfrog Rush into Death Valley.
2-28-2018 Press Release New Resort brings railroad back to Sanpete County in a unique way
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High School Junior Submits Video to the MPNHA
High school Junior, Katie Whitehead, submitted this video to the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area, highlighting her trip through several National Parks. We appreciate her sharing and admire her talent. Katie – We look forward to seeing more of your work!
My name is Katie Whitehead and I love photography and everything to do with it. I started taking pictures with my professional camera in 2015. I recently went on a trip with my family to Bryce Canyon, and a couple other areas. Of the areas we went to, Bryce was my favorite because the rock formations are very unique and the atmosphere there is amazing. At night you can see millions of stars because there is hardly any light pollution there. I highly suggest that you visit Bryce Canyon at least once in your lifetime if not more. Thank you for watching the video!
MPNHA Photo Contest – $25 Prize
We know that you have some amazing photos, and now it’s time to share them! The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area is hosting a photo contest. It’s time to dust off the camera, phone, whichever you use to capture special moments and share some great pictures. You probably have some on your hard drive somewhere too!
To enter, users must upload their images to the MPNHA Facebook Page and submit a form (below) for each image that they enter into the contest.
Rules:
- All photos must be be property of the entrant and an original work. If you are submitting for someone else, permission must be obtained before uploading the image.
- All photos must be taken inside the boundaries of the MPNHA.
- Photo enhancements are allowed.
- The entry can be used on the MPNHA’s social media channels, website, etc. and will be credited to the entrant.
- If people are included in the image, a release is required for entry.
- All entrants must submit a short entry form in addition to uploading the image onto the MPNHA Facebook page.
- The final date to enter is July 21, 2017 at midnight, mountain time.
- The winner of the contest and $25 gift card to a retailer of their choice will be selected by the number of likes on their image. Ask your friends to vote for your image! In the event of a tie, the images with the same number of likes (loves, etc.) will be assigned a random number and then picked at random. The winner will be chosen and contacted on July 31, 2017.
- There is no age limit to participants (under 13 years of age must have parental permission) or limit to the number of images that are allowed, as long as every image has been submitted into the form below.
- Voting starts when you upload your image, so enter earlier for your best chance.
- Those who work for the MPNHA are not eligible to enter/win.
- Have fun.
2017 Scandinavian Festival in Little Denmark
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MPNHA Receives Grant from National Park Foundation and Polaris to Expand Recreational Opportunities
MPNHA Press Release - Polaris- National Park Foundation Grant
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- Photo Credit: Utah Office of Tourism Polaris RZR 570 on the Arapeen OHV Trail #57, near Miller’s Flat and Potters Ponds- also east of Fairview, Utah.
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- Photo Credit: Sanpete County Travel Polaris RZR 900 on the Arapeen OHV Trail #12 east of Fairview Utah. Huntington Reservoir is seen in the background.
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- Photo Credit: Sanpete County Travel Polaris RZR 900 on the Arapeen OHV Trail #12 east of Fairview Utah.
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- Photo Credit: Utah Office of Tourism Polaris RZR 570 on the Arapeen OHV Trail #57, near Miller’s Flat and Potters Ponds- also east of Fairview, Utah. Huntington Reservoir is seen in the background.
NPS Grant to MPNHA
2017 Little Hollywood Shootout – Kanab
Kane County Shoot Out Poster 2017
KANAB, Utah – The distinctive landscape of the Kanab area has made this part of southern Utah a favorite destination for filmmakers since the 1920’s. Building on this great filmmaking tradition, the annual “Little Hollywood Shootout,” kicks off at the historic Parry Lodge in Kanab, Utah on March 22, 2017. The “shootout” is a quick-turnaround film competition offering prospective filmmakers the challenge of producing a short film with Kanab area locations as the backdrop
The competition starts on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at high noon where film production requirements including locations and a theme will be revealed to participants. Competitors will then have 49.5 hours to write, direct, edit, and complete a five-minute film. Film submissions are due at 1:30 pm on Friday, March 24, 2017 either in person or online. The shootout films will then be premiered at a community screening and awards ceremony in the evening on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Crescent Moon Theater in Kanab.
“It’s time once again for the thunder dome of quick turnaround film challenges happening in Kanab, providing aspiring filmmakers an opportunity to produce a film where film legends like John Ford and Clint Eastwood also worked,” explained Kane County Film Commissioner, Kelly Stowell, one of the organizers and founder of the event. “We look forward to the competition and have a great event planned,” commented Stowell.
Prospective filmmakers of all ages from beginners to veterans are invited to take part in the challenge. Primary filming locations are required to take place in Kane County and editing and post-production can take place at the participants desired location. Two divisions are available for participants with one category intended for novice filmmakers of all ages looking to gain experience and the other division is designed for competitors who have experience in film production.
Films are due at 1:30 pm on Friday, March 24, 2017 and can be submitted a revealed online method or films can be submitted in person back at the Parry Lodge at the time of the deadline.
Sponsors of the event include AT&T, Kane County Office of Tourism and Film Commission, Center for Education, Business, and the Arts, Kanab City, and the Utah Film Commission. “We appreciate our sponsors and this event would not be possible without their tremendous support to the shootout,” said Stowell.
Festivities of the Little Hollywood Shootout conclude when the films will be screened along with an awards ceremony at the Crescent Moon Theater, showcasing all submitted films on the evening of Saturday, March 24, 2017. Community members and participants are strongly encouraged and invited to attend. For more information about the Little Hollywood Shootout or to register your team, visit www.
Press Release January 6, 2017 – Diversity
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Utah Suffrage – 1870 and Kanab Makes History in 1871 and Elects First Female County Clerk in Utah, Mary Elizabeth Woolley Chamberlain
In the spirit of Election season, it is interesting to note that in 1870 by becoming the second (Wyoming was the first) United States Territory to allow women to vote in municipal elections.The first election in Wyoming that women were eligible to vote was in September, 1870. It should be duly noted that the relative population of women in Wyoming at this time was considerably less than the population of women in Utah at the time.
The first woman to cast her vote in the modern United States was Seraph Young, who happened to be Brigham Young’s great niece. This historic vote took place on February 14, 1870, 50 years before the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
This legacy has been largely forgotten, but merits celebration. For more information about Utah Suffrage and women’s history in Utah, please visit: Better Days 2020. The organization has been instrumental in the creation of a new Utah state license plate commemorating the Utah Suffrage.
The Utah Territory would again make history in 1871. Kane County, which is located in the heart of the boundaries of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. Mary Elizabeth Woolley Chamberlain became the first woman in the United States to be elected to a county clerk position.
Mrs. Chamberlain continued to serve and was elected as mayor of Kanab in 1871. Making her election more remarkable was that all of the elected town council seats went to women as well. Vinnie Jepson, Tamar Hamblin, Blanche Hamblin, and Luella McAllister were elected to the town council with Mayor Mary Elizabeth Woolley Chamberlain. Vinnie Jepson was later replaced by Ada Seegmiller.
The women were active leaders, promoting temperance, were responsible for building a dike and improving irrigation, and even helped clean up with the town with a declaration of “Stink Weed Day,” offering $2.50, $5, and $10 for the best property clean ups in town. The women were advocates of businesses and residents alike.
A commentary of the day is that historians report that all of the women completed all of her regular work at home and with children, without using outside help.
Learn more about these women at Deseret News and Utah History to Go
Do You Have Welsh Ancestry?
Director of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area and producer of “Discovery Road,” Monte Bona, was featured for exploring Welsh History and its ties to Utah in the episode “Music is the Reason.” Additionally, Monte’s work was recognized in a supplemental publication to the “Ensign” for his tireless work and dedication in educating many about their ties to Wales.
Welsh History Ensign Page 7
The entire supplemental publication below:
Ensign Complete Supplemental Welsh History
Look How Far We’ve Come
Progress is everywhere, including in the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. Read the following article to see where we were and what has been accomplished in the future.
2010 Deseret News Raising the Profile of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area
Remembering Senator Robert (Bob) Bennett – A Friend of Pioneer Heritage and Preservation
The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area honors a friend of Pioneer Heritage and Champion of Historical Preservation in the State of Utah – Senator Robert (Bob) Bennett. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area on Friday, May 6, 2016
Senator Robert Bennett 1933-2016—A True Friend of Pioneer Heritage
The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area has lost a hero in the passing of former Sen. Robert Bennett who sponsored the National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Act, which brought the MPNHA into being.
Sen. Bennett, 82, died May 4 of complications related to a recent stroke. He also had pancreatic cancer.
Sen. Bennett introduced his bill to create the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area during the 107th Congress (January 2001-2003). In his introduction, the senator spoke passionately about the need to preserve the rich pioneer heritage of the MPNHA:
“Spanning 250 miles from the small town of Fairview, Utah, southward to our border with Arizona, the area encompassed by the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area Includes outstanding examples of historical, cultural, and natural resources shaped by Mormon pioneers. The story of the Mormon pioneers is one of the most compelling and captivating in our nation’s history. After traveling 1,400 miles from Illinois either by wagon or by pulling a handcart, the pioneers came to the Great Salt Lake Valley, “ he said. “Along the way, the pioneers experienced many hardships…Many people died during their journey… The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area will serve as special recognition to the people and places that have contributed greatly to our nation’s development. Throughout the heritage area are wonderful examples of architecture…and cultural events…that demonstrate the way of life of the pioneers.”
The senator fought tirelessly to ensure passage of the bill, which after being passed by the Senate, received the support of the House of Representatives on July 24, 2006. The Act was signed into law by President George W. Bush on Oct. 12, 2006.
Sen. Bennett’s love for the area grew out of the many trips he took through the state campaigning for his father U.S. Senator Wallace Foster Bennett.
In a Discovery Road episode “Discovery Road – ANHA Tour” he spoke of those experiences:
“With the development of the Interstate…it had the effect of leaving [Highway] 89 behind,” he said. “It meant it left a lot of history behind…It’s important that history not be lost.”
“The MPNHA and its people owe so much to the vision of Sen. Bennett and his commitment to preserving the rich history of the area,” said MPNHA Director Monte Bona. “We mourn the loss of a true friend and offer our condolences to Sen. Bennett’s family and loved ones.”
Sen. Bennett had a long and distinguished political career, serving three terms as a U.S. senator.
Remembering Senator Robert (Bob) Bennett – A Friend of Pioneer Heritage and Preservation
The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area honors a friend of Pioneer Heritage and Champion of Historical Preservation in the State of Utah – Senator Robert (Bob) Bennett. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area on Friday, May 6, 2016
Senator Robert Bennett 1933-2016—A True Friend of Pioneer Heritage
The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area has lost a hero in the passing of former Sen. Robert Bennett who sponsored the National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Act, which brought the MPNHA into being.
Sen. Bennett, 82, died May 4 of complications related to a recent stroke. He also had pancreatic cancer.
Sen. Bennett introduced his bill to create the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area during the 107th Congress (January 2001-2003). In his introduction, the senator spoke passionately about the need to preserve the rich pioneer heritage of the MPNHA:
“Spanning 250 miles from the small town of Fairview, Utah, southward to our border with Arizona, the area encompassed by the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area Includes outstanding examples of historical, cultural, and natural resources shaped by Mormon pioneers. The story of the Mormon pioneers is one of the most compelling and captivating in our nation’s history. After traveling 1,400 miles from Illinois either by wagon or by pulling a handcart, the pioneers came to the Great Salt Lake Valley, “ he said. “Along the way, the pioneers experienced many hardships…Many people died during their journey… The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area will serve as special recognition to the people and places that have contributed greatly to our nation’s development. Throughout the heritage area are wonderful examples of architecture…and cultural events…that demonstrate the way of life of the pioneers.”
The senator fought tirelessly to ensure passage of the bill, which after being passed by the Senate, received the support of the House of Representatives on July 24, 2006. The Act was signed into law by President George W. Bush on Oct. 12, 2006.
Sen. Bennett’s love for the area grew out of the many trips he took through the state campaigning for his father U.S. Senator Wallace Foster Bennett.
In a Discovery Road episode “Discovery Road – ANHA Tour” he spoke of those experiences:
“With the development of the Interstate…it had the effect of leaving [Highway] 89 behind,” he said. “It meant it left a lot of history behind…It’s important that history not be lost.”
“The MPNHA and its people owe so much to the vision of Sen. Bennett and his commitment to preserving the rich history of the area,” said MPNHA Director Monte Bona. “We mourn the loss of a true friend and offer our condolences to Sen. Bennett’s family and loved ones.”
Sen. Bennett had a long and distinguished political career, serving three terms as a U.S. senator.
Perfect Ideas for Christmas Gift-Giving for History Buffs Straight From Santa
Do you have someone on your Christmas List for whom it is difficult to find the proper gift? Santa Claus himself has partnered with the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area to give stumped shoppers some ideas.
Legends, Lore and True Tales in Mormon Country is a compilation of stories of strength of the pioneers in Central and Southern Utah – many of which are not very well-known. Deseret News Review
Press Release – Legends, Lore and True Tales in Mormon Country
Sanpete Messenger article about Legends, Lore and True Tales in Mormon Country (Page A5)
Journal article from the Utah Historical Quarterly about Legends, Lore and True Tales in Mormon Country
Purchase from Acadia Publishing ($21.00)
Purchase from Eborn Books (also watch for signing events)
For the best prices, visit Amazon ($14.72 paperback or $9.99 Kindle) with free shipping for orders over $35 or Walmart with free shipping over $50
Events – Past (Bookmark for upcoming events)
Book Signing at Kings English Bookshop
Meet the Authors – Eborn Books
Explore The Blackhawk War, with an informative and entertaining DVD, available for purchase from the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area for $10, please contact the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Information at 801-699-5065 for more information about and to order this hour-long documentary by Discovery Road.
Press Release – Blackhawk War DVD
For those looking for more, Lincoln and Mormon Country, from the Looking for Lincoln in Illinois book series, in a partnership with Looking for Lincoln, a National Heritage Area in Illinois, is a unique gift.
Purchase from Amazon ($19.99 paperback and Kindle) with free shipping for orders over $35
