Pioneer Day, July 24th, is a day when members of the Church remember the ancestors who sacrificed to make a better life for their descendants.
July 24th, also known as Pioneer Day, is a Utah state holiday that commemorates the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.
On this day, Utahns enjoy parades, fireworks, rodeos, and other festivities to commemorate the event. But one of the best ways we can honor our pioneer ancestors is to learn more about them. Below are a few great resources you can use to better appreciate the Mormon pioneers:
Learn More About the Pioneers
- Visit the Pioneers in Every Land website, where you’ll find:
- Unforgettable stories from around the world (like the man who joined the Church after driving the prophet in a taxi).
- Pictures of historical artifacts that belonged to early Church members (like Brigham Young’s thimble).
- Women of Conviction to learn about powerful Latter-day Saint women.
- Sign in to FamilySearch.org, then click “Activities,” and then “Where Am I From?” You’ll see a map of the world with information about your ancestors. Learn the story of who you are.
- Read the article “Pioneer Trek” on the Church’s Newsroom.
- Read “The World Needs Pioneers Today” by President Monson
- Read the subject “Pioneers” at MormonWiki.com.
- Read “Our Honored Pioneer Heritage” by President Thomas S. Monson.
- Look through the Mormon Migration Database, 1840-1932, an index of pioneer immigrants with image links to journals, autobiographies, letters, and other narratives.
- Search for one of your ancestors in the Church History Biographical Database to find out more about the individuals in the various pioneer companies.
- Watch videos about various modern-day pioneers.
- Watch the video below “Pioneers: Followers of Jesus Christ:”
“The days of the pioneers are not past. … In every nation, in every worthy occupation and activity, members of this church face hardships, overcome obstacles, and follow the servants of the Lord Jesus Christ as valiantly as the pioneers of any age.” — Elder Dallin H. Oaks