Celebrate National Preservation Month!
Why Preservation Month? - In 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation extended its week-long preservation celebration to May and declared it Preservation Month to promote historic places, heritage tourism, and the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.
Preservation Month in Utah: The Power of Place
There’s no denying the vital role preservation plays in protecting Utah’s historic spaces while meeting the needs of our communities today and for generations to come. This May, for Preservation Month, we’re celebrating the power of place—and the countless ways, big and small, that preservation makes a difference across our state.
From the heart of Salt Lake City to the rural landscapes all over Utah, preservation strengthens our communities, breathes new life into historic neighborhoods, and ensures that the stories of our past continue to shape our future. This work supports a more sustainable planet, fosters deeper connections, and builds a more just and vibrant society.
Preservation Month is your chance to highlight why this work matters. It’s an opportunity to share the impact we’re making together—how the places we protect spark joy, inspire wonder, and connect us all through Utah's deep and diverse history.
5/2/25
Murray Museum: Cahoon Mansion Grand Opening
Murray City is hosting the grand opening of the Cahoon Mansion, a newly restored historic landmark and this year’s Community Stewardship Awardee. Built between 1899 and 1903, this Victorian gem has been transformed into a modern museum while preserving its architectural beauty.
5/10/25
Preserve Memory Grove: Annual Cleanup Day
Join Preservation Utah and community members in our ongoing efforts to protect and maintain Memory Grove Park, a cherished historic and natural landmark in Salt Lake City. Volunteers are needed to help with weeding, mulching, tree trimming, and clearing debris to ensure this special place remains beautiful and reflective.
5/14/25
McCune Mansion Historic Tours
Spend an hour touring this elaborate historic mansion with Preservation Utah's guides and learn about the history of this 1901 Utah showplace.
*Please do not contact the mansion directly for historical tours. Preservation Utah is the only one that provides historical tours of the McCune Mansion.*
5/21/25
Lecture: Zions Follies: A History of Drag in Utah, 1871-2021
Experience the Untold History of Drag in Utah!
From frontier stages to ward houses, Utah’s drag history is as bold and surprising as the state itself. Discover the hidden stories of performers who shaped the cultural landscape—from Brigham Young’s 17th son performing Italian opera in drag to traveling drag shows captivating small-town audiences in the 1920s.
Join us for a fascinating deep dive into 150 years of drag in Utah, where tradition and transformation collide. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the resilience, artistry, and legacy of drag in the Beehive State!
5/26/25
Memorial Day Meditation Chapel Tour
At the base of City Creek Canyon lies Memory Grove Park, which Salt Lake City purchased in 1902. The Meditation Chapel is inside the park. This is a free walk-up tour—and no registration is required. It includes a tour of the chapel's interior (one small room).
5/3/25
The Gilded Age of East South Temple, A Walking Tour
Come explore East South Temple where extravagant mansions were built by mining magnates during Salt Lake City's Gilded Age. Learn the rich history of this valley and the tensions that arose between the early pioneer settlers and the emerging class of wealthy tycoons. Their legendary stories still resonate in Salt Lake City today.
5/17/25
Kletting in the SLC Avenues
Step into history with Preservation Utah’s Spring Homes Tour: Kletting in the Avenues, celebrating the architectural legacy of Richard Kletting, one of Utah’s most prolific designers. This year’s tour showcases four to five homes designed by Kletting in Salt Lake City’s Avenues neighborhood—each a testament to his mastery of form, function, and elegance.
5/6/25
Lecture: Richard Kletting In the Avenues
Bring your lunch and Kick off our Spring Homes Tour, Kletting in the Avenues, with a fascinating lecture on the legacy of Richard Kletting, one of Utah’s most prolific and influential architects. Join local historian Nan Weber, and historical architect Allen Roberts—who are currently writing a book on Kletting—for an in-depth look at his remarkable career. This lecture offers a unique glimpse into the man behind more than 22 homes in the Avenues, as well as iconic public buildings such as the Utah State Capitol, the original Salt Palace, and the Saltair Resort Pavilion.
5/14/25
Utah SHPO Brown Bag Webinar: Preservation Power-Up – Engaging More People, More Passion
Join our live webinar to discover practical ways to boost community engagement in preservation projects in your town. Our speaker, Brandy Strand, Director of Preservation Utah, will share proven strategies using real examples from Utah that show how Utahns are getting involved in protecting our shared history.
5/21/25
Preserving Utah’s Cemeteries lecture given by Amy Barry
Utah’s first cemetery was established in Salt Lake City in 1847. As the population spread throughout the state so did the need for burial grounds. Most Utah communities still maintain their cemeteries that date back to the mid to late 1800s.
5/23/25
Salt Lake City and County Building Tour
This is one of Salt Lake City's most beloved landmarks. Completed in 1894, the building is Utah's finest example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. This one-hour guided tour begins with the base isolators beneath the building and ends in the clock tower high above.
5/31/25
“Other Side” SLC History Tour
The history of Salt Lake City can be weird, heartbreaking, and surprising. Join us to learn about the unseen history of our beautiful city by exploring the places and lives of everyday people at the turn of the last century. In this 2 hour leisurely walking tour we will explore the economic and racial diversity of our past.