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Are We Changing Our Name?

With new developments and dropping the use of the word “Mormon,” what about the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area? Will the name change?

In a nutshell, no. The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area was named as an act of Congress and will remain so named.

Many of you have reached out to us on the phone, email or on social media. We appreciate you taking your time to reach out and inquire on our status. You see, the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area is a nationally-recognized heritage area, as well as a recognized 501(c)(3) organization. As such, it is important to note that the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area, while named with a common nickname for an organization that is a religious organization, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is a completely different entity.

Ute tribe story teller and Viet Nam veteran Larry Cesspooch at the warrior statue at the BoƩ le Hollow Veteran’s Memorial on the Ute ReservaƟ on in Fort Duchesne, Utah. Cesspooch draws on his own war experience to comment on the long ago war story of Chief Sanpitch in the Discovery Road show “The Lost Tomahawk.”

Along with all of the hard work at the early stages of the MPNHA, there were many conversations about selecting an appropriate name. These included conversations with the public relations department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During these talks, it was clear that the MPNHA was being organized to share the heritage of the early settlers and peoples in central and southern Utah, many of whom were Mormon pioneers. Additionally, the Heritage Area would share the stories of the landscape, and the interactions with the Native people and other settlers who helped shape the threads of the communities located inside the boundaries of the MPNHA.

Recently, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that it would discontinue the use of the word “Mormon” in its branding and asked its members worldwide to do the same. There would be certain exceptions to this, as detailed below, taken from the official style guide of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Mormon” is correctly used in proper names such as the Book of Mormon or when used as an adjective in such historical expressions as “Mormon Trail.”

As many of our neighbors have asked, we will continue using the legal name of the MPNHA, the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. Changing the MPNHA’s name would require an act of congress, and be quite cumbersome to all involved.

Not sharing the stories of the early settlers of the area, who were mostly Mormon pioneers, would not do the rich history of the area justice. Their contributions to central and southern Utah is evident in every town that is inside our boundaries. It is also the case if we ignore the Native population and its similarly important heritage.

Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area

As an organization, we are committed to improving the lives of those living inside the boundaries of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area, as well as to drive tourism into each of the five designated districts of the MPNHA, Little Denmark, Sevier Valley, Headwaters, the Boulder Loop, and Under the Rim.

Looking Forward: The Next 10 Years And Beyond

The pioneers who settled what is now the MPNHA were always driven by hope and a vision of the future. So it is with the Heritage Area.

For overall direction, the MPNHA will continue to look to its management plan and work toward the goals described therein. We will continue to operate according to our partnership philosophy, which means helping counties, cities, towns, nonprofit groups, businesses and private individuals get projects off the ground that fit Heritage Area goals.

We will continue to tell the story of the Mormon pioneers of south-central Utah with passion and impact, including continuing to promote development of interpretive sites, and preservation of landmarks and historic buildings.

 

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.

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.

MPNHA Receives Grant from National Park Foundation and Polaris to Expand Recreational Opportunities

 MPNHA Press Release - Polaris- National Park Foundation Grant

 

 

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.littlehollywoodshootout.org or call 435-899-0443.

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.

The Kanab all-woman town council served from 1911 to 1913. Left to right: Luella McAllister, treasurer; Blanche Hamblin, councilor; Mary W. Chamberlain, mayor; Tamar Hamblin, clerk; Ada Seegmiller, councilor.

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?

wc3ic-welsh-crest-window-cling

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

Remembering Senator Robert (Bob) Bennett – A Friend of Pioneer Heritage and Preservation

https://www.facebook.com/heritageareas/videos/1123053447746230/

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

https://www.facebook.com/heritageareas/videos/1123053447746230/

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.

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