In less than four months, the Moab Museum will open a new exhibition that transforms both the south and north galleries – “U92: Moab’s Uranium Legacy.” This space will feature a walk-in powder magazine, floor-to-ceiling historic images, and a variety of artifacts, from Geiger counters to glowing Vaseline glass. These objects and visuals bring to life a time when the uranium boom filled headlines, sparking a “frenzy” that lured thousands to Moab and a subsequent boom of the town which elevated Moab to the “richest town in America,” albeit for only a short while.

Visitors will be able to follow the journeys of notable figures, both well-known and unsung, from a uranium queen to a Geiger counter salesman, each with a different role in this electrifying moment in history. Alongside personal narratives of “boom,” we present pieces of the “bust”—sharing stories of America’s “Most Scenic Dump” sign, tales of nuclear waste incinerator proposals, and the birth of the modern recreation economy as a reminder of the industry’s inevitable decline and Moab’s unwavering resilience.

Developing this exhibition has underscored how critical it is to preserve these personal stories. Many uranium miners and their contemporaries have passed, taking their memories with them; those still living are in their eighties and nineties. The Museum’s team has prioritized connecting with these individuals and their families throughout 2024, capturing first-hand accounts of life in Moab during WWII and the uranium frenzy that forever shaped the community. Special collaboration with organizations like the Atomic Legacy Cabin and scientific support from the Uranium Mill Tailings Remediation Action (UMTRA) project have been essential in enriching the exhibit’s narrative and ensuring historical accuracy.

Every shared memory helps us understand more fully what Moab’s uranium era meant to those who lived it. We’re especially grateful for insights from the many community members who contributed stories that add depth and authenticity to the exhibition. This exhibition is as much a tribute to their legacy as it is a chronicle of Moab’s past.

“U92: Moab’s Uranium Legacy” opens to members on Thursday, February 13, and to the public on Saturday, February 15, 2025. If you or someone you know has stories from this era, we would love to hear from you; Please reach out to Tara or Allie at the Museum (tara@moabmuseum.org or allie@moabmuseum.org). And be sure to mention you read about it in Moab Happenings.