Park City Museum Becomes Utah's First Smithsonian Affiliate

The designation will expand the museum's ability to share nationally recognized content and programming with Utah communities.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Park City Historical Society & Museum has been designated as a Smithsonian Affiliate, becoming the only museum in Utah to join the national program. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum will collaborate with the Smithsonian Institution to share resources, expertise and programming, and provide expanded membership benefits for its visitors.

Why it matters

The Smithsonian Affiliate designation is a prestigious recognition that will elevate the Park City Museum's profile and allow it to bring more nationally renowned exhibits, educational programs, and resources to Utah. This partnership represents a significant milestone for the museum and the state, as it becomes the first and only Smithsonian Affiliate in Utah.

The details

The Park City Historical Society & Museum underwent a rigorous application process to become a Smithsonian Affiliate. As part of the affiliation, the museum will have access to Smithsonian collections, exhibitions, and expertise to enhance its own programming and offerings. The museum's members will also receive expanded reciprocal access to other Affiliate institutions nationwide.

  • The Park City Historical Society & Museum was designated as a Smithsonian Affiliate in February 2026.
  • The museum plans to launch updated membership benefits reflecting its new Smithsonian Affiliate status later in 2026.

The players

Park City Historical Society & Museum

A museum that chronicles the history of Park City, Utah, from its mining town origins to its current status as a world-renowned ski destination.

Kara Blond

Director of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Smithsonian Affiliations.

Randy Scott

Past board president of the Park City Historical Society & Museum.

Morgan Pierce

Executive director of the Park City Historical Society.

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What they’re saying

“We are pleased to have the Park City Museum as our newest Smithsonian Affiliate – our only Affiliate in the state of Utah. We are grateful to the staff and leadership of our newest collaborator for sharing their expertise with us as we begin this important relationship. The Park City Museum's deep connections with communities allow people to connect with Smithsonian resources and programs closer to home.”

— Kara Blond, Director of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Smithsonian Affiliations

“The Park City Historical Society & Museum is honored to become Utah's only Smithsonian Affiliate partner, opening the door to new educational and professional collaborations for our staff, and providing Smithsonian Affiliate Reciprocal Membership benefits for our members across the national network.”

— Randy Scott, Past board president

“I am incredibly proud of this recognition and the tremendous effort our staff committed to making this Affiliation a reality. Our Board of Trustees realized the significant opportunity we had to represent Utah within the Smithsonian network and prioritized this goal within our current strategic plan. Goal accomplished!”

— Morgan Pierce, Executive director of the Park City Historical Society

What’s next

The museum plans to launch updated membership benefits reflecting its new Smithsonian Affiliate status later in 2026.

The takeaway

The Park City Museum's designation as Utah's first and only Smithsonian Affiliate represents a significant milestone for the museum and the state, as it will allow the museum to bring more nationally renowned exhibits, educational programs, and resources to Utah communities.