Written by Kathryn Peterson, Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement
As students return to classrooms across the state, teachers have a new opportunity to bring Utah history beyond the textbook and into an immersive learning environment at the Museum of Utah.
Operated by the Utah Historical Society, the Museum of Utah offers free field trips for schools, providing students with opportunities to explore the people, places, and events that have shaped Utah’s story. Reservations for the 2026–2027 school year are now open, and schools are already signing up to be among the first groups to experience the state’s newest museum.
“We are so excited to welcome students to the new Museum of Utah as some of our very first groups,” said Brianna Dzierzanowski, Museum School Programs Coordinator. “We currently have 53 field trips booked for the upcoming school year, with a great mix of guided, self-guided, and partner options.”
The Museum of Utah offers three field trip experiences designed to meet the needs of different classrooms:
- Self-Guided Experience: Students explore the museum’s four immersive galleries and rotating exhibitions at their own pace.
- Guided Field Trip Experience: Students participate in a museum exploration paired with structured, curriculum-based activities in the museum’s classroom space. These hands-on activities are aligned with Utah state standards and help students connect with history in meaningful ways.
- Partner Field Trip Experience: Through a partnership with the Capitol Preservation Board, students can combine a visit to the Museum of Utah with a tour of the Utah State Capitol, creating a full-day experience focused on Utah’s history, government, and civic engagement.
The museum’s classroom space currently supports guided field trips with short, hands-on history activities designed to complement classroom learning. As educational programming continues to grow, the Utah Historical Society plans to expand opportunities for students in this space.
With field trips available at no cost, the Museum of Utah provides an accessible way for students throughout the state to engage with Utah’s history firsthand. Advance reservations are required.
Teachers and schools can learn more about field trip options and reserve a visit through the Utah Historical Society’s Museum of Utah field trip page: https://history.utah.gov/field-trip-options/
Schools interested in the combined Museum of Utah and Utah State Capitol experience can schedule through the Capitol Preservation Board’s field trip program: https://utahstatecapitol.utah.gov/field-trips/
