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About the Museum

Welcome to the McQuarrie Memorial Museum in St. George, Utah! Immerse yourself in the rich history of early pioneers through our extensive collection of artifacts, including quilts, historical dresses, and military jackets, bringing the stories of early settlers to life. Operated by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP), our museum offers free admission, allowing everyone to explore and appreciate our heritage. Engage in genealogical research, join the DUP Washington County Company, volunteer as a docent, or support us with a donation. Discover the pioneer legacy with educational tours and 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 Mission

Our History

The McQuarrie Memorial Museum, affectionately known as the Pioneer Museum, was established in 1938 thanks to Hortense McQuarrie Odlum's generous donation. Together with the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP), Hortense envisioned a space to preserve and celebrate the artifacts, photos, and 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 thrives on the dedication of volunteers and donations from pioneer descendants. Visitors can also purchase "Under Dixie Sun," a comprehensive history of the area, for $20 at the museum.

DUP and St. George dignitaries posing in front of the museum on the day of its dedication, St. George, Utah, June 17, 1938
Large artifact room in the McQuarrie Memorial Pioneer Museum. Incldes a large wooden loom, several pioneer era dresses, pioneer portraits on the walls and several glass display cases.

Our Collection

We have a new online site for searching our Collection.  You can search our Histories, Photos,

Libraries, and Artifacts. Photos of artifacts, copies of histories, and copies of photos can be made available. 

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:

  • 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.

  • Educational Coordination: If a teacher wishes to coordinate lesson materials with the tour guide, please allow at least 2 weeks for preparation.

  • Special Tours: Tours can be arranged for family reunions, with specific family histories, artifacts, and photos highlighted. Please provide 2 weeks' notice for preparation.

  • 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.

Support Our Museum

Annual Report

We are grateful to our sponsors:

Utah Division of Arts and Museums logo
City of St George RAP Tax logo
Washington County RAP Tax logo
Utah Humanities logo
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