Sons of the Utah Pioneers
The National Society of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, often abbreviated SUP, is an organization that works to preserve the memory and heritage of the early pioneers of the Utah Territory and the western United States; honors the present-day pioneers worldwide who exemplify these same qualities of character; and teach these same qualities to the youth who will be tomorrow’s pioneers. It was officially organized in 1933.
In 1947, during the centennial of the entry of the first Mormon pioneers into the Great Salt Lake valley, the Sons of Utah Pioneers organized an elaborate commemorative journey of the original Mormon trek to Utah.
The organization is open to "All good men of every age and circumstance who have an interest in the early Utah Pioneers. It is not necessary to have pioneer ancestry to join." Membership is divided into chapters where members meet, usually monthly, to hear speakers on subjects of interest in history, geography, biography, as well as topics on Latter-day Saint culture. Chapters often organize "treks" lasting one day to a week where members travel to historical sites to learn more about pioneer history, as well as to socialize with others of like interests.
The organization sponsors an annual historical symposium at the headquarters in the East Millcreek area of Salt Lake City.
The Sons of Utah Pioneers publish the quarterly Pioneer magazine, a full-color print publication containing historical articles, photographs, and artwork about the Mormon pioneers as a group, the individuals and families who comprised the Mormon pioneers, and the places they settled.
