The Moab Museum is thrilled to announce the opening of the much-anticipated exhibition, U92: Moab’s Uranium Legacy, on Saturday, February 15, 2025. The featured objects, stories, and ephemera vividly recreate a time when the uranium boom filled headlines, sparking a “frenzy” that lured thousands to Moab and propelled the town to briefly become the “richest town in America.”

The exhibit invites guests to follow the journeys of notable figures, both well-known and unsung. From a uranium queen to a Geiger counter salesman, each persona represents a unique role in this electrifying moment in history. Alongside personal narratives of the “boom,” the exhibit also delves into the “bust,” sharing stories like America’s “Most Scenic Dump” sign, proposals for nuclear waste incinerators, and the birth of the modern recreation economy—a reminder of the industry’s inevitable decline and Moab’s unwavering resilience.

Developing this exhibition has underscored the critical need to preserve personal stories. Many uranium miners and their contemporaries have passed, taking their memories with them; those still living are now in their eighties and nineties. The Museum’s team has worked throughout 2024 to connect with these individuals and their families, capturing firsthand accounts of life in Moab during WWII and the uranium frenzy that forever shaped the community. Special collaborations with organizations like the Atomic Legacy Cabin and scientific support from the Uranium Mill Tailings Remediation Action (UMTRA) project have enriched the exhibit’s narrative and ensured historical accuracy.

As part of the opening day festivities, the Museum is partnering with the Utah Historical Society to host a special Scan and Share event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event provides an exciting opportunity for community members to preserve and share their own connections to Moab’s uranium history. Attendees are encouraged to bring up to ten items, such as photographs, documents, letters, artwork, or other memorabilia, which can range from historical to contemporary. These items will be scanned, digitized, and added to the Peoples of Utah Revisited online collection, ensuring that these stories and artifacts are preserved for future generations.

Participants will also have the chance to provide context for their items by answering questions from Utah Historical Society staff. The information gathered will accompany the digitized materials in the online collection, enriching the narrative of Moab’s uranium legacy with diverse perspectives and personal stories. Importantly, all items will be returned to their owners on the day of the event after scanning.

If you have questions about the event or the types of items to bring, you can contact Monique Davila at mdavila@utah.gov or 520-909-0927 for more information.

Mark your calendar and join us on February 15 for a day of discovery, preservation, and connection. The exhibit opening and Scan and Share event promise to be an unforgettable celebration of Moab’s history and its enduring legacy. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a long-time Moab resident, or simply curious about the story of uranium mining, this event is not to be missed.

Come explore the stories, share your own, and help us honor Moab’s unique and vibrant past. We can’t wait to see you there!
And be sure to mention you read about it in Moab Happenings.