Church History

There is a movement going on here in Utah – one that will turn our state into a hub for Cultural Heritage Tourism – and the Rocky Mountain Living History Consortium is a big part of that movement. And it deserves to be big because Utah is a state like no other in the country – a place unlike any other in the whole world. Not only do we have a landscape that is incredibly varied and distinctive, but our history is every bit as unique.

The Utah Territory, known until 1850 as “The Upper California”, was a place considered by most to be too rugged and dry to settle; too wild to tame. Only mountain men, explorers, trappers, priests and a few miners braved the winters and the “wild Indians”. Then the Mormons came, looking for a place that nobody else wanted so that they could practice their religion without fear of opposition. And tame it they did along with other immigrants – artisans and craftsmen who became farmers and ranchers – moved upon by a commitment, all in search of a better life.

And all of their stories interconnect with those of the admixture of humanity that followed once iron rails connected east to west; entrepreneurs, actors, Civil War soldiers, doughboys and dunces, sailors, artists, sheepherders and cattlemen, cowboys and outlaws. All these and more are part of Utah’s history. These were a special breed of people, struggling against land and nature not only to survive, but to build a future for their children. And their stories – their lives – are most certainly inspiring, especially to the coming generations.

Now, as a result, we have an opportunity – an obligation – not only to teach this history, but to bring it to LIFE.

And that takes another special breed of people; folks who are moved upon to the same degree to tell Utah’s stories in a way that will provide audiences an emotional connection – audiences from all over the world. We need artists, heritage craftsmen, musicians, storytellers, actors, poets, and all of the organizations that preserve and promote Utah’s heritage. And if you are one of those people or groups, we want to help you hone your skills!

Rocky Mountain Living History Consortium (RMLHC) is holding its first annual “Best Practices Conference” to help you do exactly that on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM at the Sons of Utah Pioneers’ National Headquarters – 3301 East 2920 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84109.

You may already be good; you may be very good. But we can help you become great – even world-class!

History is not a fossil to be looked at and talked about. It is a stream – a succession of stories that continues right up through today. When we present it in that way, it comes to life right before our eyes. This conference is about how to present that LIVING STREAM of stories.

It’s one thing to see someone dressed in period costume who can tell you facts and details. It’s quite another to meet people who, in a moment, can transport us into the past and make us feel the reality of these amazing stories.

Come learn from some of Utah’s best, brightest and most talented. There will be workshops on interpreting history, how to tell truly engaging stories, how to mount a successful festival, how to build an audience in today’s complex market, and how to compete on the world stage. Then there will be demonstrations to put it all into action.

If you’re one of these people, or one of these groups who have been moved upon to share Utah’s heritage, then move things around on your calendar and come to the RMLHC “Best Practices” Conference!

The price (which includes all meals, workshops, materials, demonstrations and, of course, networking) is only $25 per person (up to two related people) and only $15 for additional family members. Register now at www.rmlhc.org.