Utah State Capitol Seeks Volunteer Docents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SALT LAKE CITY—Do you have an interest in history, art, architecture, or government? Do you harbor a passion for learning or enjoy meeting new people? If so, the Utah State Capitol Visitors Center would love your help. 

Volunteer docents lead visitors on engaging, informative tours about the history, art, and function of the Capitol building. Tens of thousands of students, citizens, and tourists visit the Capitol each year, and volunteers provide an indispensable service by sharing their knowledge of and passion for the building.

In return for volunteering their time and commitment, Capitol docents receive the benefits of meeting visitors from across the globe; developing new skills and areas of expertise; attending volunteer socials and recognition events; and cultivating a special connection with the Capitol community. 

“The Utah State Capitol is a living legacy for all Utahns,” said Allyson Gamble, executive director of the Capitol Preservation Board. “We are grateful for the docents and the time and energy they spend sharing the ‘People’s House’ with visitors from near and far.”

Volunteers are asked to commit to 4 hours every other week. Guided tours of the Capitol are given on the hour between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Volunteer training begins on October 1, and includes workshops on early Utah history, the building’s construction, architectural and artistic characteristics, the restoration project, and government processes.

To learn about becoming a Capitol docent, please contact Sara Howard at 801-538-1800 or capitoltours@utah.gov.

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Volunteer of the week: Beverly Barrett

At the Utah State Capitol Visitors Center, we couldn't survive without our volunteer docents. Each week, we will feature a new docent to show our appreciation for the fantastic individuals who make our free guided tour program a reality.

For four hours every week, Beverly Barrett takes visitors on detailed tours of the Capitol building. A dedicated and loyal volunteer, Beverly has been a Capitol docent for more than five years.

"Beverly has equal passions for politics and people," said Sara Howard, manager of public relations and visitor services.

Beverly comes back from her tours glowing with tidbits about the people she met and the stories they shared.

"The experiences I have here are so interesting, and they are something I will cherish all my life," Beverly said.

Beverly enjoys starting her tours with the current exhibit in the Visitors Center, Step Back in Time: A Centennial Celebration of the Capitol Construction. The exhibit features historic photos and informative stories of the Capitol construction.

A passionate supporter of the arts, Beverly also works for the Sandy Amphitheater. 

Movie Under the Stars weather update!

The weather is threatening, but the show will still go on. Movie Under the Stars will take place inside the Capitol tonight. What better setting for Hotel Transylvania than the dimly lit interior of the Capitol on a stormy night?

We are setting up our movie screen under the majestic dome of the Rotunda, on the second floor of the Capitol building. The Heartstrings will take stage at 7:30 p.m., as planned. Hotel Transylvania will begin immediately after their performance.

Please bring extra blankets, pillows, and cushions, as the Rotunda floor isn't as quite as soft as the Capitol lawn! If you bring chairs, please make sure they are low-backed. Chairs must be set up off of the glass floor in the Rotunda.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at 801-538-1800.

Last But Not Least: Hotel Transylvania featuring The Heartstrings

The Heartstrings

On August 23rd, 7:30 p.m., the Heartstrings will open our final Movie Under the Stars night of 2013. The Heartstrings are an indie rock group based in Provo, Utah. Just 6 short months ago, the Heartstrings came together as band full of songwriters and music lovers. They found their sound through a mixture of pop, folk, and even Motown. The Heartstrings blend these genres together to create an electrifying collection of songs. Their upbeat melodies and catchy lyrics will have you singing along in no time! To learn more about this incredible group, check out their Facebook page. 

Hotel Transylvania

The final film of the summer rolls at sunset tonight! We all know the story of Count Dracula, but the fact that he built a high-end hotel for monsters usually isn't included in his bio. Dracula builds this resort to keep his daughter, Mavis, safe from the frightening humans that monsters are forced to scare away. However, Dracula's plan is foiled when a 21-year-old human backpacker, Jonathan, stumbles upon the hotel just in time for Mavis' 118th birthday party. They fall in love, which leaves Dracula without a plan.

Join us for The World's Fastest Indian, featuring Shrink the Giant

Shrink the Giant

For our third Movie Under the Stars this Friday, August 9th, we'll start the night off at 7:30 p.m. with a performance by Shrink the Giant. Described as "Metric + Paramore / Foster the People", Shrink the Giant is an indie-alternative pop-rock group that has been playing together since 2010. This trio puts on a charged performance that will leave you wanting more. Shrink the Giant won X96's Battle of the Band in 2012 and has opened for Neon Trees, Imagine Dragons, and AWOLNATION. They are currently working on their sophomore album, which will prove to be just  as electric as the first. Their first album is available on iTunes. For more information check our their Facebook and listen to their incredible album here!

The World's Fastest Indian

Based on a true story, The World's Fastest Indian depicts the life of Burt Monro, played by Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins, who fulfilled his dream of setting the world land-speed record. Munro spends years building a 1920 Indian motorcycle, and once he completes the motorcycle, he embarks on a journey to the Utah Salt Flats to compete in an international race. He faces many obstacles along the way, but doesn't get discouraged. In 1967, he arrives in Utah and accomplishes his dream of setting the land-speed world record. We hope you will join us for the screening of this inspiring film on Friday, August 9th.

Photo recap: Movie Under the Stars Night 2

Our second Movie Under the Stars, held on July 26, was another great success! The crowd topped 1500 guests, and people visited from as far as Canada and Mexico. 

Crowds arrived as early as 6 p.m. to set up for the evening’s activities of music, games, prizes, and outdoor screening of Wreck-it Ralph.

Many families came early to picnic and play games with their loved ones before the festivities began. We had more than 7 guests celebrating their birthday with us that night! The Salt Lake Community College also provides a concession stand where hamburgers, fruit, cookies, bratwursts, and a variety of candy can be purchased. 

Local music duo Chad & Kristo  gave an outstanding performance for an hour before the movie began. Check out this clip of their performance!

Thanks to all of those who came out, and we hope to see you on August 9.

Wreck-It Ralph featuring Chad & Kristo

Chad & Kristo

At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 26, Chad & Kristo will launch our second night of Movie Under the Stars. Chad & Kristo is a folk-inspired duo based in Salt Lake City. Both Chad and Kristo have been playing local shows individually for about 10 years, but in 2011 they joined forces to create the musical sensation of "Chad & Kristo". A wise man once said that if Chad & Kristo's music were medicine we'd finally have a cure for ugly. That statement is as true today as ever. So sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for some ear candy that would make even Willy Wonka jealous. They have recently released a new CD, and we are delighted to have them perform at our screening of Wreck-it Ralph. For more information on Chad & Kristo, visit their facebook page and check them out on iTunes. 

Wreck-It Ralph

We are excited to screen Wreck-it Ralph, a family-comedy. Ralph is an arcade game villain who strives to become a hero. He rebels against his traditional role as a villain, and in doing so he creates a dire threat to the arcade that he and his friends call home. He must prove to everyone that he has become a hero by eliminating the threat that he created. Nominated for the Golden Globe Award for best Animated feature, as well as the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, this movie is sure to delight. The movie will begin after sunset.

Photo recap: Movie Under the Stars, Night 1

Last Friday marked the beginning of Utah State Capitol’s 2013 Movie Under the Stars series. Although the evening’s activities weren't scheduled to start until 7:30 p.m., families began arriving as early as 4:30 to lay out their blankets and chairs in preparation for the evening’s events of music, games, prizes, and an outdoor movie.

Missed the event? Here are a few of our favorite photos from the evening.

Date night at Movie Under the Stars.  The best part about this date idea is that it’s FREE!

Movie Under the Stars is great for all ages. Children, teenagers, and adults love it!

The band LoveCapades started the evening off with a rockin’ performance. Listen to their music and learn more about the band.

Marshall Moore, director of the Utah Film Commission, hosted trivia games about movies filmed in Utah.  The audience members on stage were competing for tickets to the 20th anniversary special screenings of The Sandlot, taking place July 19-20.

Doing a voice impersonation of “plaaaaaay ball” from The Sandlot.

The Amazing Spider-man begins. Our event features two screens, all the better to accommodate more than 2,500 audience members.

Our next Movie Under the Stars night will be held on July 26. Stay tuned for our next blog post, and see you there!