Daughters of Utah Pioneers facts for kids
The International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers (often called DUP) is a group for women. They work hard to save and share the stories of the first settlers in the area that became Utah. These settlers, known as Mormon pioneers, arrived between July 1847 and May 1869. This was when the first railroad was finished.
Any woman can join the DUP if she is:
- Over 18 years old and a good person.
- A direct descendant (like a granddaughter or great-granddaughter) of a pioneer.
- Her pioneer ancestor traveled to or through the Utah area between 1847 and 1869.
History of the DUP
The Daughters of Utah Pioneers started on April 11, 1901, in Salt Lake City. A woman named Annie Taylor Hyde invited 54 women to her home. She wanted to make sure that the names and achievements of the pioneers were never forgotten. These pioneers were the men, women, and children who helped build the early communities in Utah.
The DUP is a non-political and non-religious group. It is similar to other history groups, like the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1925, the DUP became a legally recognized organization.
Kate B. Carter was a very important leader for the DUP. She was the President from April 1941 until she passed away in September 1976. She also led the Days of '47 Parade from its start in 1947 until her death.
What the DUP Does
The DUP works to keep history alive in many ways. They help protect old historical places and landmarks. They also collect many old items like tools, clothes, letters, and photos from pioneer times.
The society also teaches its members and the public about history. They have many small museums in Utah and nearby states. Their main museum, the Pioneer Memorial Museum, is in Salt Lake City. It has a huge collection of pioneer items.
The DUP has also published many books. These books include stories about families and towns, cookbooks, history books, and even children's stories. One big project was a four-volume set called "Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude." It shares stories about brave pioneer women.
How the DUP is Organized
The main office for the DUP is at the Pioneer Memorial Museum in Salt Lake City, Utah. A special board helps run the international organization.
Members are part of groups called "companies." These companies then oversee smaller groups called "camps." Each camp has at least ten members in a certain area. In 2006, the DUP had over 21,000 members in the United States and Canada. They had 185 companies and 1,050 camps.
