An Enduring Spirit

“Tell the sisters to go forth and discharge their duties in humility and faithfulness and the Spirit of God will rest upon them, and they will be blest in their labors. Let them seek for wisdom instead of power and they will have all the power they have wisdom to exercise!!!” – Eliza R. Snow

When the Mormon pioneers crossed the plains they came with more than the belongings in their carts and the clothes on their backs. They brought with them a spirit of courage and adventure. The J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections gathers the archives of Mormon women from the earliest pioneers to the present generation. Our collections include: Mary Jane Mount Tanner, an early poet who recorded the stories of her pioneer mother; Maud May Babcock, one of the first female professors at the University of Utah, who directed art programs for women at the university and in the Utah community; Ivy Baker Priest, the second woman Treasurer of the United States; women who fought to defend their political and religious beliefs; and women who encouraged others through the seemingly simple task of managing a household and caring for their families. The pioneering spirit of these women and many others inspires current and future generations of Mormon and non-Mormon women.

February 25 – April 27

Exhibition: An Enduring Spirit: Mormon Women Pioneers

Curators: Alison Conner, Julia Huddleston, Molly Steed, Sara Davis

Location: Special Collections Gallery, J. Willard Marriott Library, level 4

Gallery hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00–6:00; Saturday, 9:00–6:00; Hours differ during University breaks and holidays.

The exhibition is FREE and open to the public.