“A people without the knowledge of their past history,

origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”

— Marcus Garvey

Just notes from the SCAHS Directors: 

Looking back on this year 2025, we are overwhelmed at the progress that has been made in organizing the underlying workings of our Sevier County Archives and Heritage Services. The offices are fully equipped to handle our history collecting and archiving. Most importantly, are the people involved in making this county project a reality. We are so grateful for the efforts of so many.

In thanks to these SCAHS supporting people and organizations, we held a “Holiday Thank You Celebration” where we recognized their contributions. Of course, our part-time staff, Tonia Lewis - Archivist, McKay Chamberlain - History Specialist, and Vienna Lewis - Data Processing Supervisor, were at the top of our list. Then special thanks were given to Commissioner Scott Johnson, Carl Albrecht, Richard Chamberlain, Lyman Forsythe, Kevin Jones, Jeanna Ogden, Kay Monroe, Robert Herbstrit, Rod and Leslee Hurd, Judy Busk, Teresa Robinson, and Don and Marie Peterson. Missionaries: Sister Johnson and Sister Neuberger, and our Intern Thayer Kruger.

Those not present but also thanked were Gordon and JoAnn Topham, David Ogden, Raymond Jensen, and Peggy Harrison.

A very special thanks also goes to our 15-member Advisory Board for their support and, of course, to our mayor-appointed city historians. 

We recognized the financial contributions of the Sevier County Republican Women, Giving Springs, the class of 1960, and the company Five Inc.

The Board of Directors has completed all requirements for our non-profit status and has approved By-laws, Policies, and Procedures that make us eligible for government and private grants.

WE ARE READY TO GATHER, PRESERVE, AND SHARE!

Our focus this coming year is to work with our mayor-appointed city historians in refining the gathering process and to continue with public awareness!



Directors,

Elaine Wayland

Genie Nielsen

Carol Lee Johnson

Jennifer Nackowski

Tooter Ogden

Archives: Preserving our Past

The archives have been hard at work gathering and preserving Sevier County history—and now it’s time to share. We currently have over 275 items cataloged and online, with many more in progress. We invite you to explore these materials by clicking “Explore the Archive” at seviercountyhistoryhub.org.

Our progress is thanks to an incredible team of volunteers and partners. With the help of a data entry clerk, Vienna Lewis, our intern Thayer Kruger, three sister service missionaries, transcription volunteers, and our partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have contributed more than 600 volunteer hours processing and scanning books, photographs, and historical documents. We truly could not do this work without every one of them.

We have also been building relationships with local and state ‘history hub’ partners and SCAHS historians, while refining our donation and loan procedures and processes. The support we have received has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated.

Even in our early stages, we have already been contacted by researchers and donors from across Utah and many other states—a strong sign of the value and reach of Sevier County’s history.

As we look ahead to 2026 and the celebration of 250 years of the United States of America, we are excited to continue gathering Sevier County’s unique stories, with a special focus on our founders and local businesses. Together, we are preserving these stories to ensure they are shared and remembered for generations to come.

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Heritage Services: Gathering our Past

Over the past few months, Sevier County Archives and Heritage Services (SCAHS) has been busy strengthening skills, partnerships, and community presence. Heritage Services coordinated valuable training opportunities with the Utah Historical Society and Utah State Historical Records and Advisory Board, ensuring local staff and volunteers stay current with best practices in The Power of Historical Thinking, Sources and Resources, an Introduction to Oral History, and the Utah Cemetery Program. 

SCAHS also collaborated with the Utah Women’s History Initiative to highlight and preserve stories that deepen our understanding of the county’s past. To celebrate 160 years of Sevier County, we hosted a booth at local events with the help of local history teacher, Rodney Hurd, and many other volunteers. We gathered over 20 mini oral history interviews telling the stories of their favorite memories of community events.

Adding a festive touch to community life, SCAHS placed themed decorations at Christmas Tree Lane, celebrating local heritage during the holiday season.

Looking ahead, SCAHS is actively preparing for 2026 with several exciting developments on the horizon. Planning continues for the next phase of the Sevier Speaks oral web series, expanding the collection of firsthand stories that capture the voices and experiences of the region. At the same time, SCAHS is building stronger connections with historians and heritage partners across the area to support new research, programs, and public history projects. Together, these efforts position SCAHS for a dynamic future focused on preserving, sharing, and celebrating Sevier County’s history.

Newsletter originally published December 30, 2025.