Step into the Bountiful Historical Museum a treasure trove of Utah’s past. This isn’t just any museum. It’s housed in the stunning James and Alice Smedley Manor a beautifully preserved home built in 1893. Imagine the Smedleys themselves strolling through these very rooms. The Bountiful Historical Museum isn’t just about old buildings though. It’s about the stories of the people who built this community.
Bountiful Utah’s second settlement boasts a rich heritage. The museum’s mission is to gather preserve and share that heritage. They’ve succeeded admirably. Their exhibits are state-of-the-art a blend of digital and interactive displays. A captivating model train display takes you back to Bountiful circa 1940-1945. See three trains chugging along a miniature landscape. This offers a glimpse into Bountiful’s past as a thriving farming community.
The museum isn’t just about trains. It’s packed with early pioneer relics. Farming tools home and garden artifacts are all on display. Personal journals and photographs bring the past to life. Many of these are in digital format. This ensures easy access for all visitors.
You can delve deeper into the stories of Bountiful. The museum offers research opportunities guided tours and lectures for schools. They even conduct bus tours of historical sites and cemetery tours. The museum’s collection includes oral history interviews. These are especially compelling. They feature former Utah Governor Calvin Rampton and Beatrice Call Mabey both Bountiful natives. Their memories are preserved on DVDs available for viewing at the museum.
The museum also offers publications for sale. These include books on Bountiful’s history and information about its homes and current tours. A book detailing the history of the Stoker School is a unique find. The museum showcases the history of dwellings in Bountiful predating 1900. The museum also features a new exhibit honoring local World War II veteran Theodore Bud Benard. His impressive military career is displayed complete with numerous awards and medals he received. And that is just a glimpse into the incredible stories waiting for you inside.