About the Museum
Welcome to the McQuarrie Memorial Museum in St. George, Utah! Step into the world of Washington County’s early pioneers through our rich collection of quilts, historic clothing, photographs, personal histories, and artifacts. Operated by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, the museum offers free admission and invites all to explore our shared heritage. Visitors can engage in genealogical research, volunteer as docents, join the DUP Washington County Company, or support our mission with a donation. Experience pioneer history through hands-on exhibits, guided tours, and educational events.
Hours
Admission is free!
We are open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM • Closed on Sundays and Wednesdays
(December hours from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
We believe in the power of preserving history and heritage. Our mission is to honor the legacy of the pioneers and to inspire present and future generations. Through the museum's exhibits and programs, we aim to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of the pioneers who settled the St. George, Utah area.
Our History
The McQuarrie Memorial Museum—affectionately known as the Pioneer Museum—was established in 1938 through the generosity of Hortense McQuarrie Odlum. Partnering with the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP), Hortense envisioned a lasting space to preserve the artifacts, photographs, and personal stories of the pioneers who settled Washington County under Brigham Young’s direction in the mid-1850s.
Owned and operated by the DUP Companies in Washington County, the museum continues to thrive thanks to dedicated volunteers and contributions from descendants of pioneer families. Visitors can also purchase Under Dixie Sun, a comprehensive history of the region, for $20 in the museum gift shop.
Tours
Tours are available upon request. For groups larger than 15, please schedule in advance by calling 435-628-7274 and leaving your contact information or by filling out the form below and emailing it to director@dupstgeorge.org.
Tour Guidelines:
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Group Size: Maximum of 30 people per tour. For school groups, classes should be staggered, with one adult (teacher or parent) for every 8 children.
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Educational Coordination: If a teacher wishes to coordinate lesson materials with the tour guide, please allow at least 2 weeks for preparation.
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Special Tours: Tours can be arranged for family reunions, with specific family histories, artifacts, and photos highlighted. Please provide 2 weeks' notice for preparation.
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Scheduling: School tours are preferred on Wednesdays when the Museum is typically closed. Other tours can be arranged after hours as needed.
For an introduction to the museum, watch the video below.
We are grateful to our sponsors:
