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Brigham City Museum reports record attendance, new exhibits and statewide recognition
Summary
The Brigham City Museum reported a 35% rise in visitation year over year and a 33% increase in youth attendance, hosted a statewide Japanese-American Day of Remembrance event and said it will receive or be nominated for multiple state and national awards.
Alana Fong, director of the Brigham City Museum, presented the museum's annual report to the council on Sept. 4, highlighting record attendance, new exhibits and partnerships that staff said strengthened the museum’s role in community and economic development.
The museum hosted six rotating exhibits in the past year, including a landmark exhibition titled "Uncovering the Journey" about the local Japanese-American community. The museum also presented the international art-quilt exhibit and several community and school-focused programs. "Overall visitation was up 35% over FY 2024," Fong said, adding that youth visitation increased by 33% over the previous year and that the museum had strong engagement from school groups and families.
Fong noted that the museum served as the statewide host for the Japanese American Citizens League’s Day of Remembrance opening reception, an event that she said supported nine Brigham City vendors and resulted in more than 55 hotel room nights. She also cited facility improvements — including new gallery carpet — a new online collections catalog, a virtual-exhibit platform and partnerships with universities for student internships and exhibit work.
The museum director said the museum was nominated for awards from the Utah Historical Society and the American Association for State and Local History and will receive an award from the Utah Museums Association later in the month.
Why it matters: council members and staff said the museum contributes to economic development and quality-of-life metrics that attract businesses and visitors. Several council members praised the museum's staff and programming, noting the exhibits draw visitors from across the region and internationally.
Next steps: the museum will continue its planned exhibits and education programs, pursue grant and partnership opportunities and report performance metrics to the council as part of its annual operations.
