Exhibits

Galleries

From Around the World

How did early settlers find their way to Park City? After learning about the Kimball Stagecoach, which carried people and mail to Park City, climb aboard a re-created railcar. Look out the train’s window and back through time as you watch a film about Park City’s place in the frontier West. On the platform outside, meet new arrivals from around the world and learn about their history.

Mega Mine and the Days of Ore

Visitors examine the scaled, late 19th century Mega Mine. Surface mining operations such as a mill, Cornish pump, and aerial tramway are highlighted on the two-story-tall structure. Inside the Mega Mine, discover workings, mine bosses on quadricycles, and the Cornish pump and hoist, which travel all the way to the 1,000-foot level.

Mining required strong backs, and wreaked havoc on miners’ lungs. Downstairs, learn about the dark, wet, and dangerous profession as you explore mining equipment, learn how ore becomes silver, and earn your pay by drilling into the rock face.

Skier Subway Theater

Climb into an original car from the world’s only “Skier Subway” and watch a film explaining Park City’s transition from a mining to a skiing town.

The Dungeon: Park City’s Territorial Jail

Visiting the original territorial jail in the basement of the historic City Hall is an unforgettable experience. Hear stories about “guests” who visited these cells, and learn about some of Park City’s more dangerous criminals.

Hazardous working conditions in the mines led many in the Park to join fraternal organizations and, later, labor unions for protection. The Cell Theater presents this often controversial history, including original Industrial Workers of the World—or Wobbly— graffiti from 1916.

Muckers & Millionaires

Millions of dollars in mineral wealth came out of Park City’s mines, but little of it stayed in town. This exhibit explores the great divide between Park City miners (muckers) and the mine owners who chose to live in mansions in Salt Lake City. Explore the differences in both groups’ clothing, housing, and entertainment, and learn about some of the characters who shaped Park City’s history.

Living in Park City

What was it like to live in Park City 100 or more years ago?
Visit the local post office, swing by the neighborhood market, and help connect calls at the telephone company. After learning about the history of skiing in the Wasatch Mountains, swing by the Egyptian Theatre and take in a show to learn about the importance of theater in Park City’s past and present.

Bar Talk

Thirsty for more?
The local saloon was more than just a place to wet your whistle. Listen to stories and learn about changing attitudes and economics in the 1960s at a historic, refurbished Park City bar.

1926 Fire Truck

Park City took a chance and ordered an “auto” fire truck in 1922. They were so pleased that they ordered another one four years later. This 1926 Graham Brothers Dodge with custom-made body has returned to its original home in the historic 1901 Fire Tower.

The Great Fire of 1898

Fire tore through the heart of Park City the morning of June 19, 1898. Listen to Park Record editor Sam Raddon report on the fire that led to over $1 million dollars worth of damage and the displacement of 500 local citizens.

Changing Gallery

The Changing Gallery will offer yet another reason to come back to the Museum again and again. Over 1,000 square feet showcases children’s and guest-curated exhibitions. Thought-provoking national traveling exhibitions feature the best of contemporary study while sharing some facet of Park City’s history and community.

Museum collections and recent donations on display may include a wide-ranging collection belonging to one generous donor; they may contain a common theme; or they may be a hodge-podge of items which the Museum asks the visitor to explore its purpose or value (utilitarian, monetary, or cultural).

Schedule of Changing Gallery Exhibits

October-February 2009-2010

Photographs from the Museum Collection will grace the walls for the Museum’s opening months. Objects will be added in November, and will ask the visitor to play the role of detective or scientist by learning how to date a photo by relying on small clues. Also answer some of the difficult questions the Museum’s curator faces while exploring an object’s condition, purpose or value (whether utilitarian, monetary or cultural).

April 10 – May 25, 2010

The Park City Museum presents a Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music,” in cooperation with the Utah Humanities Council.
American roots music rises out of America’s story, carrying our history and cultural identity in its songs. Much of American roots music came to us from two groups: immigrants from the British Isles and slaves from West and Central Africa. Over time, European and African music traditions blended to create a variety of roots music forms, including folk ballads, country, blues and gospel. As new waves of immigrants came to America, they added their music traditions to the mix. Eventually roots music would evolve into American popular music: jazz, bluegrass, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, rap and more.
Be sure to check our Events Page for an updated list of programs and events being held in concert with “New Harmonies.”

June-August 2010

Do you have a photo of Grandma in the Park City marching band? One of Dad playing the guitar at City Park? This exhibit features YOU and YOUR FAMILY! The Museum is now collecting photographs, paintings, and other musical Park City mementos to display for this exhibit, “Music Makes Park City Community.” If you have something that tells a story of music in Park City, we want to see it! For more information, email museum@parkcityhistory.org or call 435-649-7457.

September-November 2010

Newly donated Park City items to the Park City Museum confirm the treasures that still remain in people’s attics! Perhaps the Museum is the right “reposi-story” for your Park City heirlooms. When is the last time you looked in your attic?

For more information on activities held in conjunction with the Changing Exhibits, visit the Events Page.