Dept. of Cultural & Community Engagement

June Newsletter  

Utahns in June and July will join communities across the nation to continue commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This milestone year offers an opportunity to reflect on our state and nation’s history, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look toward the future.

As the nation prepares to commemorate the semiquincentennial, the State of Utah is unveiling a legacy of its own: The Museum of Utah. Operated by the Utah Historical Society as the state’s first dedicated history museum, this new cultural destination on the Capitol Complex bridges Utah’s past, present, and future through immersive galleries featuring more than 900 objects.

While Utah celebrates this historic milestone, consider getting involved in your community and taking part in events and experiences that reflect the power of coming together, learning from the past, and shaping the future.

 
See Events
 
 

Museum Grand Opening Celebration on June 27

 

The Museum of Utah will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, June 27, marking an exciting milestone as Utah’s first state history museum. Located in the new Michael O. Leavitt North Capitol Building, the museum showcases Utah’s history, culture, and art through world-class exhibits and engaging community spaces. As an extension of the Utah Historical Society, it is designed to spark curiosity about the past, deepen understanding of the present, and inspire reflection on the future.

Join us at the Utah Capitol Complex from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for a full day of celebration featuring live music, food trucks, hands-on activities, and family-friendly fun. Visitors will have the opportunity to be among the first to explore the galleries and experience the stories that shape our great state..

 Get a behind the scenes look at the new North Capitol Building, home of the Museum of Utah. 
 
 

How America’s Potluck is Bringing Communities Together

 

Host or join America’s Potluck on July 5 and bring your Utah neighbors together in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Whether you gather with a few friends or the neighbors on your street, every shared meal is an opportunity to build connections and strengthen communities.  Originating  in Utah, the initiative is being celebrated in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and supported by more than 70 national partners. Together, these partners represent an extraordinary national network, including 51 state commissions reaching 342 million Americans; 50,000 independent grocers and retail food stores; and 20,000 cities, towns, and villages. 

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, America’s Potluck is working toward an ambitious but achievable goal of 25,000 potlucks nationwide — celebrating the simple yet powerful act of gathering together, sharing stories, and strengthening neighborhoods one meal at a time.

 

On May 18, First Lady Abby Cox invited West Bountiful neighbors to a community warm-up for America’s Potluck, bringing together Utahns to connect, share a meal, and build excitement ahead of Sunday, July 5. Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson joined the gathering, while Governor Spencer Cox grilled hot dogs for attendees.

 Learn more about America’s Potluck 
 
 

75,000 Miles and Counting: Lieutenant Governor Henderson Joins Utahns in Walk250

 

Since launching in July 2025, participants in the Walk250 Utah challenge have logged more than 75,000 miles across the state, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary through outdoor activity, exploration, and community connection.

 

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson started her Walk250 challenge at Wasatch Mountain State Park, hiking the Huber Grove Trail alongside local leaders and community members, including Midway Mayor Craig Simons, Midway Councilman Andrew Osborne, and representatives from Zions Bank. The event highlighted both the beauty of Utah’s outdoors and the spirit of coming together to celebrate this historic milestone.

 Learn More About Walk250
  Read About the Lieutenant Governor’s Walk250 event 
 
 

Utah Communities Plan Celebrations Statewide for 250th Anniversary

 
 

Utah cities are hosting a wide range of local events, shared experiences, and moments of reflection to bring communities together in celebration of this meaningful milestone. From parades to neighborhood gatherings, Utahns are invited to connect and celebrate across the state.

  Find an Event Near You 
 
 

National Endowment for the Arts Chair Highlights Utah’s Leadership in Arts Education and Engagement

 
 

National Endowment for the Arts Chair Mary Anne Carter visited the Utah State Capitol alongside Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson and toured the America250 Utah exhibit, The Pen Is Mightier display, which highlights the enduring power of words in shaping democracy and civic life. The two-day visit by Carter was in partnership with the Utah Division of Arts & Museums. 

The Pen is Mightier will be on display in the Utah State Capitol throughout 2026.

  Read the Article 
 Read More about The Pen is Mightier 

CCE In the News 

 
 

America250 Utah 

Connecting military kids to the arts in Utah and across the U.S. - Deseret News 

Utah leaders encourage residents to join Walk250 Challenge - KSL News

Opinion: How Utahns can come together to celebrate America250 this year - Deseret News

The Church of Jesus Christ Makes Food Donations in Utah for America250 - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

 

Museum of Utah - Utah Historical Society  

The past will finally meet the present with Utah’s first ever state historical museum - Deseret News

The past will finally meet the present with Utah's first ever state historical museum - KSL News

Museum of Utah prepares for grand opening celebration at Capitol Complex - KUTV

Museum of Utah Grand Opening Celebration - Slug Mag

Native American activist with Utah ties preserves heritage - KUTV

Preserving Utah's History is Important - KUTV

 Utah's First Ever State Historical Museum Opens Next Month - UPR

 

Utah Arts & Museums

18 Utah Artists Awarded $5,000 Fellowships For Exceptional Creativity

 

Utah State Historic Preservation Office 

Logan Downtown Alliance Earns Utah’s First National Main Street Accreditation - Cache Valley Daily

Logan Downtown Alliance Earns Utah’s First-Ever National Main Street Accreditation - Utah Business

 

Utah State Library Division

Utah’s Library for the Blind and Disabled Leaves No Reader or Book Behind - KUER

Trending on Social Media  

 
 

"Miners in the 1800’s bedazzle their footwear" - Utah State Historic Preservation Office 

“Museum of Utah Opening” - Utah Historical Society

“Museum of Utah Artifact Install" - Utah Historical Society 

 

ADMINISTRATION

Donna Law,
Commissioner

Katherine Potter,
Deputy Commissioner

CONTACT US

Donna Law                  donnalaw@utah.gov

3760 S. Highland Dr.                        Millcreek, Utah 84106

FIND US ONLINE

> community.utah.gov

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The Dept. of Cultural & Community Engagement

Building stronger communities through culture and engagement. Learn more about our nine divisions →

 
 

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