History Department Overview

Welcome to the International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers History Department. We house and maintain a collection of histories of the Utah pioneers. These folders contain written biographies and other information regarding each pioneer. The files are as small as an obituary or extensive histories of individuals. This collection includes over 60,000 pioneer histories. Pioneers were people who came to the Utah Territory/State of Deseret July 24, 1847 to May 10, 1869, (the completion of the railroad), with the exception of the Brooklyn Saints. If they actually left one of the many outfitting encampments and traveled on the trail, died crossing the plains, or were born in the Utah Territory before May 10, 1869, they were pioneers. Children birth to 18 years old, who died on the trail, should be included in the body of a history with either of their parents. Please no more than a brief paragraph about the child. If your ancestors do not fit these criteria, we will not have their histories nor do we accept them.

Location: The History Department is located on the main floor of the museum directly opposite the main museum entrance.

Hours:

The History Department is open Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm. Please allow 2 or 3 hours for us to help you properly.

Services:

You can now find previously written histories and information on the Search Pioneer Histories section of our website. In person, you can check our Library and Resource Files for help in researching other topics or specific pioneers.

Phone: 801-532-6479 x205

To access the online Index of pioneers whose histories we have, click here.

Personal Computers:

You are welcome to use your personal computer as you research in our History Department. Please be aware of these stipulations. You may use your computer as a reference, and for limited note taking. However, remember a history is copyrighted property of the author and DUP, and the funds collected through copying histories is a source of revenue for our nonprofit, volunteer organization. The use of cameras, video recorders, cell phone cameras, or scanners are not permitted.

Written materials available through the courtesy of ISDUP may not be reproduced for monetary gain (Article III Section 4G of the DUP Bylaws).