Who we are
The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area (MPNHA) is a Congressionally designated National Heritage Area and a recognized 501(c)(3) organization. We preserve and share the heritage of the pioneers and Native peoples of central and southern Utah along Highway 89. For media inquiries, please call (435) 462-2456 ext. 104 or use our contact form. We do not publish a staff email address to reduce spam.
Official name
On first reference, please use the full name: Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. Acceptable short forms afterward are “MPNHA” and “the Heritage Area.” There are no alternate legal names.
Relationship to the Church
The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area is a separate entity from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When the Church or its members appear in our stories, we follow the Church's published guidance: use the full name of the Church on first reference, and avoid “Mormon Church” or “LDS Church” as substitutes for the name of the Church. See the Church's Style Guide: The Name of the Church.
Why we still use “Mormon” in our name
Our name aligns with the exception in the Church's own style guide:
“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.”
The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area is a proper name established by an Act of Congress. Historical usage such as “Mormon pioneer” and “Mormon Trail” remains appropriate when telling the story of the corridor.
Are we changing our name?
In short, no. The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area was named by an Act of Congress and will remain so named. The MPNHA is a nationally recognized heritage area and a 501(c)(3). While it shares a common nickname associated with a religious organization, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is a completely separate entity.
When the MPNHA was organized, its purpose was to share the heritage of the early settlers and peoples of central and southern Utah (many of whom were Mormon pioneers), along with the stories of the Native peoples and other settlers who shaped these communities. Changing the name would require an act of Congress and would not do justice to that history.
Read the full “Are We Changing Our Name?” statement →
Logos & marks
Download the MPNHA logo for editorial and partner use. Please keep clear space around the mark, do not stretch or recolor it, and do not add effects. Place the logo on backgrounds with enough contrast; use the transparent version over photography only when legibility is preserved.
Colors & type
Our palette is warm and earthy, drawn from the Highway 89 landscape. Display type is Zilla Slab; body and interface type is Source Sans 3.
Photography & video
Prefer place-specific imagery from the corridor. Credit photographers where required. Discovery Road stills and embeds follow YouTube and partner norms.