Every rural person and place has a story. Change is part of that story. "Rural Utah at a Crossroads" is a new series of short stories about life in the smallest parts of Utah, told in participants’ own words. Listen to UPR to hear stories from the rural communities in our state that explore how we've adapted and inspire us to think about what's next.
"Rural Utah at a Crossroads" is part of Crossroads: Change in America, a traveling exhibition created by the Smithsonian Institution and the National Archives that provokes fresh thinking and sparks conversations about the future and sustainability of rural communities. Utah Humanities is touring Crossroads to eight rural communities in Utah from September 2023 to December 2024. As part of the exhibition tour, Utah Humanities and Utah Public Radio are partnering with exhibition hosts to interview local residents about their experience in rural Utah.
"Rural Utah at a Crossroads" is a collaboration between UPR, Utah Humanities, Wasatch County Library, Utah State University Eastern, Silver Reef Museum and Washington County Historical Society, Brigham City Museum of Art & History, and Utah State University Blanding.
Crossroads: Change in Rural America is made possible in Utah by Utah Humanities. Crossroads is part of the Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.
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Richard Tatton, a longtime resident of Price, Utah, reflects on the growth he has seen in his community and the encouraging trend of civic engagement. -
Boyd Udy reflects on his time running the Rocket Ranch for Northrup Grumman. -
Aldean Ketchum, a Ute man from White Mesa, Utah, speaks about his deep connection to his homeland and his adventures playing the flute. -
Kelly Brooks, a visual arts teacher at Snow College, discusses the importance of supporting arts in rural Utah. She is the co-founder of Granary Arts Gallery, a rural arts center in Ephraim, Utah. -
Kathryn Berg, born and raised in rural Utah, has had a long and impactful career in athletics. She discusses the importance of sports for young women and expressed optimism for the future.
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Richard and Josi Russell, an artist and author, discuss the integration of their work into their family life and the unique connection to the natural environment their home in Blanding offers. -
Diana Montaño, a young woman from Moroni, Utah, describes growing up Mexican-American and her work in the International Student Services department at Snow College. -
Suresh Kulkarni, former Vice President of Engineering at Thiokol (Northrup Grumman), discusses coming to Brigham City and beginning his career with the company. He tells of cultural changes and what he sees in the future for his community.
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Matthew Heimburger reflects on raising his family in Heber Valley. Despite lacking some amenities for his disabled daughter, the community's warmth and support are evident.
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Archaeologist Lee Bennett discussed her former role as Forest Service District Ranger in Monticello and her experience fostering open dialogue about land use despite differences.
