Archives News

Featured image for “Evidence of a Lost Architectural and Artistic Landmark: Salt Lake Technical High School”
February 6, 2024

Evidence of a Lost Architectural and Artistic Landmark: Salt Lake Technical High School

After the Salt Lake High School was established in 1890, it operated in a number of different locations before settling into the former home of the University of Deseret, located on the present-day site of West High School. In 1912, a building was completed on the west side of the same block to house the companion Technical High School, which
Featured image for “Gone But Not Forgotten: Records Hold the Memory of Provo’s Mid-Century City Center”
September 29, 2023

Gone But Not Forgotten: Records Hold the Memory of Provo’s Mid-Century City Center

Long-time Provo residents may have felt a certain sense of loss several months ago as they watched the demolition of the familiar Provo City Center that housed city government for over 50 years. Completed in 1972, the complex was Provo’s first purpose-built city hall since the city government was formed in 1851. As with many city halls, the building was
Featured image for “(Re)Introducing the Local Government Team”
February 3, 2023

(Re)Introducing the Local Government Team

Here at the Utah Division of Archives and Records Service, our Local Government Team looks a little different these days, as we have welcomed a few new members. We wanted to take a moment to reintroduce ourselves and the unique work we do here at the State Archives. Over the last several years, we’ve been busy listening and learning from
Featured image for “Provo Seal: A 153-Year-Old Tradition”
June 29, 2022

Provo Seal: A 153-Year-Old Tradition

There is a particular sense of connection to our history when we see a practice from the past that has lived on into the present, continuing to fulfill a function, but carrying with it a sense of continuity and a memory of where we have come from. When Archive staff members Heidi Steed and Alan Barnett recently visited Provo City
Featured image for “Caroline Pace: The First Women Elected in Spanish Fork City”
March 21, 2022

Caroline Pace: The First Women Elected in Spanish Fork City

I first encountered Caroline Pace while sorting through a box of records labeled ‘old stuff.’ Spanish Fork City had transferred the box to the State Archives with many other historical records. However, unlike the other meticulously identified records, this particular box was unruly. The box was full of hundreds of tightly rolled and folded pieces of paper that were difficult
Featured image for “Highlights with Heidi: Clarkston Records”
January 13, 2022

Highlights with Heidi: Clarkston Records

This special find actually came from our OTHER Heidi who is a Records and Information Management Specialist for local governments. Recently her team visited the town of Clarkston in Cache County and were able to bring back some records to keep in our repository. Once everything is processed we will share more, but we couldn’t help sharing this sneak peek. 
Featured image for “Opening the Tooele City “Valuable” Box!”
September 22, 2021

Opening the Tooele City “Valuable” Box!

Last month, Heidi and Alan (members of our Local Government team) found an unusual box labeled “valuable” when they were in Tooele City. Since there was interest in the contents of this mystery box, Heidi made an extra effort to inventory it quickly so we could share a little of what was inside. Let’s dig in! The underside of the
Featured image for “Highlights with Heidi: Ice Cream Theft”
July 21, 2021

Highlights with Heidi: Ice Cream Theft

While doing some research, Local Government Records Specialist Heidi (yes, we have two Heidi’s in our office!) came across this funny little case in the Sanpete County Justice Court: Gunnison Precinct records. On June 13, 1904, six boys appeared before the Justice of the Peach for the theft of ice cream and cake! Looks like all the boys were charged
Featured image for “USHRAB Grant Projects: Past and Present”
April 1, 2021

USHRAB Grant Projects: Past and Present

Every spring, the Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board (USHRAB) seeks applications for grant funds of up to $7,500 to support records preservation and access. The Board’s grant program is funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission at the National Archives, whose mission is to promote the preservation and use of America’s documentary heritage essential to understanding our
Featured image for “Connecting the Dots: A Look at How State and Local Processes Interact”
December 23, 2020

Connecting the Dots: A Look at How State and Local Processes Interact

An 1851 law passed by the territorial legislature required that the state government keep a “fair and faithful record of all marks and brands” indicating ownership of livestock. These brand books recorded the mark or shape of the brand, whether the brand was located on the livestock’s body or on their ear, the name of the person applying for the