Written by Dustin Khong | The Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs & the Utah Historical Society partners to highlight past and present narratives.
We’re thrilled to announce a meaningful collaboration between the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs’ Magnify Utah and the Utah Historical Society — a partnership rooted in a shared commitment to preserving the past while amplifying the present stories of Utah’s communities.
As one of nine sister divisions under the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, the Utah Historical Society has been a cornerstone of historical research and preservation since its founding in 1897. With a legacy of documenting pivotal moments and movements—from early pioneer experiences to contemporary cultural shifts—the Utah Historical Society (UHS) helps us better understand how history shapes our collective present.
Revitalizing the Peoples of Utah Project
Central to this collaboration is The Peoples of Utah: Revisited, which returns to the groundbreaking work on Utah’s wide-ranging communities. The Peoples of Utah first launched in 1976, spearheaded by noted Greek American ethnographer, Helen Z. Papanikolas. Today, the initiative continues through events that gather photos, oral histories, and community research to deepen our understanding of the people and traditions that define Utah. The Historical Society leads this effort with a focus on long-term preservation and public access.
Various Images showcasing featured Magnify Utah Stories from My Family’s Diary, Homegrown Stories, and Chosen Home Stories.
Elevating Present-Day Narratives Through Magnify Utah
While the Historical Society continues to preserve stories of the past, Magnify Utah is building a powerful archive of the present—highlighting how Utahns are thriving today. Through an evolving series of storytelling boards, Magnify Utah captures the lived experiences of Utah’s vibrant communities. These include:
- My Family’s Diary: Stories from first-generation families—immigrants, refugees, asylees, and new transplants—who bring fresh perspectives and dreams to Utah. These families, like all others, seek structure, opportunity, peace, and connection.
- Homegrown Stories: Narratives from Utahns born or raised in the state who are committed to planting deeper roots and giving back to their home. These are the long-time community members who embody the One Utah spirit through continued investment and care.
- Chosen Home Stories: Voices of those who have chosen Utah as their place to build a future—stationed service members, veterans, New Americans, transplants, and others who see this state as a place of possibility and belonging.
Magnify Utah has also developed a growing library of recorded oral histories through these efforts, capturing firsthand accounts of community-building, hope, and thriving. These oral histories are being transferred to the Utah Historical Society’s Peoples of Utah: Revisited for safekeeping and extended access, ensuring that present-day voices live on to be historically significant for future generations
Expanding the Scope: Opportunities to Engage with us
Our partnership continues to evolve! One exciting new development is our effort to cross-share newsletters and resources, helping both organizations highlight upcoming events, storytelling opportunities, and public calls for engagement. Whether it’s an oral history collection drive, a community heritage festival, or a feature on a local storyteller, our goal is to make it easier for Utahns to connect, contribute, and co-author our shared history.
Expect more to come by signing up for Utah Historical Society’s and the Division of Multicultural Affairs newsletter.
Together, we are creating a beautiful mosaic of Utah’s cultural legacy—one that is as much about where we’ve been as it is about where we’re going.
Two Efforts, One Shared Vision
The work we do intersects in so many ways as we continue to help all Utahns connect, thrive, and fall in love with our state’s past, present, and future. While the Utah Historical Society and Magnify Utah each have distinct approaches, our work finds unique ways to champion Utah.
- The Utah Historical Society preserves the stories of Utah’s past, inviting curiosity to inform and enrich our shared present.
- Magnify Utah highlights the voices of today’s Utahns, helping build a more connected future with the hopes of thriving.
Join Us in Celebrating Utah’s Stories
📚 Explore The Peoples of Utah: Revisited:
➡️ history.utah.gov/peoples-of-utah-revisited
🌟 Learn more and explore Magnify Utah’s storytelling projects:
➡️ multicultural.utah.gov/magnify