The Moab Museum invites the community to an unforgettable evening of history, culture, and fine dining at the annual Moab Museum Gala on Thursday, April 3rd, at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton, and promises a night of entertainment, storytelling, and unique auction items that can’t be found anywhere else.

Guests will begin the evening with live music from local favorite Quicksand Soup. A seated dinner will follow, offering a choice of beef, salmon, or a vegetarian option in the Hoodoo’s elegant ballroom.

A major highlight of the evening will be a riveting portrayal of legendary explorer John Wesley Powell by acclaimed historian Clay Jenkinson. Powell, best known for leading the first documented expedition through the Grand Canyon, played a significant role in the exploration of the American West. Jenkinson, a scholar and one of the founders of the modern Chautauqua movement, is renowned for his captivating historical portrayals of figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and J. Robert Oppenheimer. His performance will be interactive, engaging directly with the audience to bring Powell’s story to life.

Following the program, a live auction will be led by professional auctioneer Graig Medvesk of The Auction Team of Grand Junction, Colorado. Auction items include rare, one-of-a-kind experiences such as:

• Lunch for four at the Dugout Ranch, one of Utah’s largest cattle ranches, with rancher Heidi Redd, National Cowgirl Hall of Fame winner in 2022. After lunch in her home, Heidi will lead a hike to the petroglyph sites on the Ranch, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s history.

• Run Moab Experience, a five-hour guided run or hike led by expert marathon runners and coaches, Buzz Burrell and Melissa Beaury, showcasing Moab’s breathtaking landscapes and hidden trails with some of the top runners in the country.

Additionally, on Friday, April 4th, at 7 p.m. at Star Hall, Jenkinson will deliver a separate program portraying J. Robert Oppenheimer. His performance will explore Oppenheimer’s role in developing the atomic bomb, followed by an interactive discussion on preventing future global conflicts. The Oppenheimer event is part of the Moab Museum’s extraordinary exhibit, U92: Moab’s Uranium Legacy, which opened February 15 and will continue through November 2025.
Tickets for the Moab Museum Gala are $100 per person or $75 for Museum members. Table and event sponsorships are also available for $1000-$2500.

Space is limited, and reservations are required. For tickets and more information, contact gala@moabmuseum.org or visit moabmuseum.org.

And be sure to mention you read about it in Moab Happenings.

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.

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!

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.