“My wife and two boys quickly fell in love,” Park City Museum Executive Director Morgan Pierce says of moving here in 2021. “The snowfall on Main Street at night is one of the most beautiful sights I can imagine.”
Growing up among the ghosts of the Civil War in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley fired his love of history. “Battlefields are everywhere,” he recalls. “It’s hard not to be interested.” Armed with a history degree from James Madison and a master’s in arts management from George Mason, Morgan was drawn to museums by his love for storytelling and curating “I love collecting objects and photographs that transport you to a different time and life,” he smiles.
After stints at Virginia and Louisiana historical museums, Morgan revels in the different atmosphere of the Mountain West. “Park City is such a happy place,” he notes. “People here have the mountain life, and visitors have an incredible vacation. Everyone is enjoying life.”
Not surprisingly, our dramatic history captivates Morgan. “I am amazed at how the mining camp officially became Park City in just 15 years (in the latter 1800s), then headed for ghost town status in the 50s, only to be reborn when Treasure Mountain opened in 1963.”
Morgan’s family has blossomed in the mountain air. “The boys love marching in the Miners Day Parade, coming to town for Halloween, and meeting Santa Claus,” he smiles. “We’ve been to all five of our national parks and many in neighboring states.”
The great outdoors still pulls Morgan from his desk whenever it’s practical. “I look for opportunities to hike, hang our preservation ribbons, or lead a mining history ski tour,” he enthuses. “There is still so much to explore.”
With the Museum celebrating 40 years in 2024, Morgan is looking for more history to preserve. “We would be honored to curate your family heirlooms if they meet our needs,” he says. “Just let us know.”