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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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.

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!

We Present: The Amazing Spider-Man!

The LOVECAPADES

At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12, the Lovecapades will kick off our first Movie Under the Stars evening of 2013. The Lovecapades are an emerging pop rock band based in Utah. In the past 18 months, the band has released two albums, and they have opened for mainstream acts such as The Rocket Summer, Hoobastank, He Is We and Hellogoodbye. The Lovecapades performed three tours; one in Southern California (including a show at the Hard Rock Cafe in San Diego), one in the western U.S. and one in the United Kingdom. Taking inspiration from bands such as The Killers, Oasis, Led Zeppelin and U2, the Lovecapades' energetic live show is not to be missed. Click here to hear more about this local treasure!

The Amazing Spider-Man

After sunset, the film begins! Watch Spider-Man, one of the world's most beloved superheros, take on Dr. Curt Connors, mad scientist. You will be on the edge of your seat as you see Peter Parker make the transition from typical teen to teenaged hero as he saves New York from the havoc Dr. Connors imposes on the city. Based on the Marvel Comic Book, this movie is sure to thrill and is great for all ages.

Movie Under the Stars 2013

The Utah State Capitol Preservation Board is excited to announce this year's Movie Under the stars feature event. Now that summer is upon us, the Capitol Preservation Board and the Utah Film Commission have teamed up to bring locals an enjoyable night filled with entertainment and music, perfect for all ages.

2013 Movie Line-up

• July 12: The Amazing Spider-man
• July 26: Wreck-it Ralph
• August 9: The World's Fastest Indian
• August 23: Hotel Transylvania

Event Information

These screenings will take place on the southwest corner of the Capitol lawn. Local bands will perform live shows starting at 7:30 pm, continuing until dusk when the movies begin. Admission is free, and seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Feel free to bring friends, snacks, and a blanket. Chairs are also allowed, as long as they are low to the ground and won't disrupt the view of other guests.

For questions or comments, please contact Visitor Services at 801-538-1800 or check out our facebook page. We can't wait to see you there!

Charter Day on the Hill

The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools gathered in the capitol Monday February 11, 2013 for their event “Charter Day on the Hill.” Their goals for this legislative session can be found here.

Thirty-five of the 88 charter schools in Utah were represented, bringing over 400 students, educators, and administrators to the capitol. The Association of Public Charter Schools believes in giving parents a choice in educating their children, as well as in the benefits of a specialized education for students. 

Charter Day on the Hill was a chance for schools to demonstrate the presence of Charter Schools to their legislators. The event was designed to give attention to the activities of the schools themselves and the bills the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools have sponsored this legislative session.