Artifacts Associated with John Wesley Powell Return Home to Utah

Cultural objects now part of Collections at the Natural History Museum of Utah, help tell the fascinating story of Powell almost 150 years later.

Revisit one of the most iconic explorations of the American West at the Natural History Museum of Utah on Saturday, September 22 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. as we unveil a number of artifacts collected by Powell and his cartographer, Frank Marion Bishop, during their explorations of the southwest.

Included are a number of Native American baskets that were collected by Bishop, a Native American child's wearing blanket, moccasins, a wooden bow and its sheath, and more. Also on display will be several original sepia drawings by noted American painter and Utah artist Dean Fausett, which illustrate the Powell expeditions.

Powell experts will introduce guests to the historical and cultural significance of Powell's expeditions, the native people he encountered, and artifacts being displayed for the first time ever at the Museum. This is an open-house event with lectures from experts Fred Reuss, Roy Webb, and Dave Malone scheduled throughout the day. Click here to learn more about these Powell experts. 

The objects, recently transferred from Illinois State University, will be shown along with artifacts already in the Museum’s collections to help tell the fascinating story of Powell, who was a talented geologist and known explorer of the American West.

The event is included with price of Museum admission.