Welcome to Tales of the Handcart Pioneers

Saturday May 16, 2026

We gather today at the Salt Lake City Cemetery to commemorate the incredible trek of those who crossed the plains and oceans—a journey spanning more than 1,300 miles. In the winter of 1856, members of handcart companies faced unimaginable trials with faith and grit. We are here to bring their stories to life and honor the legacies they left behind.

All of our participants are local volunteers with a deep passion for history. Each person has a unique, personal reason for participating in our program — read their inspiring stories!  

Photos and Videos are encouraged, but please be mindful not to obstruct the view of other guests or disrupt the flow of the presentation. We’d love to see your photos and videos! Share them on our Facebook page or tag @FamilyHistory365 on Facebook and Instagram.

Look for the white balloons! Each pioneer is marked with a white balloon to show you the way. You might notice a group of balloons a few sections over—hang tight! You'll find out all about that spot at one of the stops along the trail. 

If a presentation is still in progress when you arrive at your next stop, please wait quietly nearby until it concludes. While each session is scheduled for approximately five minutes, actual times may vary slightly. To maintain the event's flow, we kindly ask that you visit the stops in their designated order without skipping ahead.  

FamilySearch App: The walk concludes with a hands-on research session where you can discover your connection to these pioneers and learn to uncover your own family stories. To participate, please download and log in to the FamilySearch app before you arrive. While provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the app is free for everyone. If you need help setting up an account, contact us after the event through our website or social media channels! 

To keep this space sacred and safe, please follow these simple guidelines:

• Protect the Stones: Many headstones are over a century old. Please do not lean, sit, or step on them.
• Quiet Respect: Please silence your phones and keep your voices low so everyone can hear the stories.
• Leave No Trace: Ensure all trash is placed in bins. Let’s leave the grounds better than we found them.
• Watch the Little Ones: Children are welcome! Please keep them close and remind them this is a place for quiet walking.

Let’s keep the conversation going! If you have thoughts to share or need further research help, email us at familyhistory365@gmail.com or contact us via our social media channels. 

May the stories shared on these sacred grounds stay with you, offering strength for your own path. Thank you for being here to honor their memory with us.

(PHOTO: Margaret Ann Griffiths Clegg, daughter of John Griffiths (portrayed in our program), 16 years old when she traveled with the Martin Handcart Company