Upon receiving a grant of $20,000 almost two years ago, the Heritage Center began construction of the Cache Valley History Museum. An open house was hosted Jan. 22. The original idea came from former Director Steve Delong, who said he has had this idea for quite some time.
“Ever since I walked in the door that first time, it has been on my mind. Our goal is to utilize space and create a year-round resource for the community,” he said.
The museum is shown from four perspectives: the Indian, the fur trappers, the pioneers and the railroad. Eric Olsen, chairman of the center’s board, said this was to show the evolution of the valley from two different angles.
“In the beginning, the valley shaped the people,” Olsen said. “Then after the farmers settled and started to work and till the land, it switched and the people began to shape the valley.”
The Cache Valley History Museum will have rotating exhibits and dioramas. Famous contributors to Cache Valley history are displayed on revolving panels in the middle of the room, including the ancestor of one of the center’s board members, Paul Willie. Willie’s great-great grandfather, James G. Willie, in 1856, led the Mormon Handcart Company to Utah, which was one of the two companies that were stranded at Devil’s Gate just south of Casper, Wyo.
Although Willie does not possess any journals from that famous expedition, he said some of the journals from James G. Willie’s Latter-day Saint church mission are in Special Collections in Merrill-Cazier Library.
Willie said, “This is a way to tell the handcart stories and show how heroic James G. Willie was.”
Willie’s ancestor was also the one to first settle Mendon in 1859.
In addition to the heritage displays, the museum also has a large mural spanning the back wall, with dioramas placed in cutout squares of the painting. The artist of the mural, Trent Gudmundsen, was selected out of eight artists who applied and said it was an “honor” to be chosen.
The original plan was to hire a more famous artist to paint the mural, but then hiring a local was suggested.
“I think many would be surprised just how many talented professional artists there are right here in Cache Valley,” Gudmundsen said,
After being commissioned, the mural took almost five months to plan and one month to paint. The painting “represents quintessential Cache Valley,” Gundmundsen said. It includes those four original settlers, as well as portraying each of the four seasons.
The American West Heritage Center may appear like a small, old barn upon first glance, but inside, the rustic beauty of it evolves. The log-cabin feel, combined with the amount of history, inspires the visitor to learn more. In addition to the exhibits and murals, there are also toys for children to play with, touch-screen technology and a gift shop.
The museum is not just for tourists. Although it may be a welcome center for visitors, it is also ideal for locals wanting to learn more about this beautiful valley.
Delong said, “Our mission is the living history,” as shown by the various live events that occur throughout the year.
Pulling handcarts and live re-enactments tie the living history into the new exhibits inside the building. The land, owned by USU, is able to accommodate those wanting to see the festivals, learn from educational workshops or just stop in and learn more about the history of Cache Valley.
– kellyn.anderson@aggiemail.usu.edu