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 “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 “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 “Showcasing Uintah County’s Civic Engagement”
April 22, 2021

Showcasing Uintah County’s Civic Engagement

Each spring, the Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board (USHRAB) seeks applications from Utah’s non-profit, local, and state government institutions 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
Featured image for “A Glimpse into Ogden’s Black Community”
February 19, 2021

A Glimpse into Ogden’s Black Community

Among records recently transferred to the Utah State Archives from the Ogden School District were two seemingly unremarkable 1960s-era photo albums from Pingree Elementary School. Despite the plain covers, the photos in the album revealed that Pingree Elementary was not just another school. The photographs provide a striking and human window into one of the important Black communities in Utah
Featured image for “Meet the Local Government Team!”
December 15, 2020

Meet the Local Government Team!

Here at the Utah State Archives, we’ve dedicated much time and effort over the past few years to build up a robust local government team to meet the unique needs of Utah’s municipalities, counties, schools, and special districts. The team is made up of trained records management and archives specialists.  Alan Barnett is the Local Government Archivist and manager of