Four members of the Local Government team standing in the State Archives Reference Room.

(Re)Introducing the Local Government Team

Heidi Steed News and Events, Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board

Here at the Utah Division of Archives and Records Service, our Local Government Team looks a little different these days, as we have welcomed a few new members. We wanted to take a moment to reintroduce ourselves and the unique work we do here at the State Archives. Over the last several years, we’ve been busy listening and learning from …

Provo Seal: A 153-Year-Old Tradition

Alan Barnett History, Research

There is a particular sense of connection to our history when we see a practice from the past that has lived on into the present, continuing to fulfill a function, but carrying with it a sense of continuity and a memory of where we have come from. When Archive staff members Heidi Steed and Alan Barnett recently visited Provo City …

Caroline Pace: The First Women Elected in Spanish Fork City

Heidi Steed History, News and Events

I first encountered Caroline Pace while sorting through a box of records labeled ‘old stuff.’ Spanish Fork City had transferred the box to the State Archives with many other historical records. However, unlike the other meticulously identified records, this particular box was unruly. The box was full of hundreds of tightly rolled and folded pieces of paper that were difficult …

Highlights with Heidi: Research Archivist at Utah State Archives & Records Service

Highlights with Heidi: Clarkston Records

Lauren Katz History, News and Events

This special find actually came from our OTHER Heidi who is a Records and Information Management Specialist for local governments. Recently her team visited the town of Clarkston in Cache County and were able to bring back some records to keep in our repository. Once everything is processed we will share more, but we couldn’t help sharing this sneak peek.  …

Highlights with Heidi: Research Archivist at Utah State Archives & Records Service

Highlights with Heidi: Ice Cream Theft

Heidi Stringham History, News and Events

While doing some research, Local Government Records Specialist Heidi (yes, we have two Heidi’s in our office!) came across this funny little case in the Sanpete County Justice Court: Gunnison Precinct records. On June 13, 1904, six boys appeared before the Justice of the Peach for the theft of ice cream and cake! Looks like all the boys were charged …

USHRAB Grant Projects: Past and Present

Mahala Ruddell Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board

Every spring, the Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board (USHRAB) seeks applications for grant funds of up to $7,500 to support records preservation and access. The Board’s grant program is funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission at the National Archives, whose mission is to promote the preservation and use of America’s documentary heritage essential to understanding our …

Connecting the Dots: A Look at How State and Local Processes Interact

Mahala Ruddell History

An 1851 law passed by the territorial legislature required that the state government keep a “fair and faithful record of all marks and brands” indicating ownership of livestock. These brand books recorded the mark or shape of the brand, whether the brand was located on the livestock’s body or on their ear, the name of the person applying for the …

Poll taxes in Utah?

Mahala Ruddell History

Poll taxes, or fixed sums levied on any eligible individual, are uncommon these days. Historically, they are usually discussed in conjunction with civil rights and disenfranchisement. So it might be a bit surprising to come across a record like this, a poll tax register from Spring City. We often hear about poll taxes in the Deep South, but here in …

Meet the Local Government Team!

Mahala Ruddell Records Management

Here at the Utah State Archives, we’ve dedicated much time and effort over the past few years to build up a robust local government team to meet the unique needs of Utah’s municipalities, counties, schools, and special districts. The team is made up of trained records management and archives specialists.  Alan Barnett is the Local Government Archivist and manager of …