Emery County Pioneer Museum

Bring old times to life!

Location: 64 East 100 North, Castle Dale, Utah

The Emery County Pioneer Museum is a treasure for history buffs and antique lovers. It is filled with rooms depicting pioneer life.

Don't be mistaken, these aren't scenes from glamorous western movies. "When school children come through they are amazed at some of the things in the collection. They ask questions like, 'Did ladies really have to wear those girdles and old-time clothes?" explained Jan Petersen, the museum's executive director.

Located in Castle Dale, the heart of Castle County, the museum shows a pioneer school room, farm equipment, a kitchen setting, country store and much more. One of the most interesting rooms in the museum is the "Red Room." It contains a beautiful organ and furniture the Johnson family purchased from the Utah State capitol when it was refinished. There is a fine arts exhibit of remarkable pioneer needlework.

Rougher cowboys called these parts home too. The museum has created a special exhibit on local outlaws. One of the most famous outlaws, Butch Cassidy, is highlighted.

The experience doesn't have to stop at viewing pioneer artifacts. The museum has archives of pioneer stories. "We have collected many pioneer stories from the area. Patrons can sit down at an antique pioneer table and read them," explained Petersen.

The museum is open six days a week. On weekdays patrons may visit from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and from noon until 4 p.m. on weekends. For more information call (435) 381-5154