Celebrate America!

'Proud to be an American' Celebration!

An 'Historical' Event!

Friday, July 9, 2010

For the new South Davis Historical Museum

Would you enjoy celebrating being an American and helping to preserve the history of South Davis County? 

 Come and join with your friends and neighbors in a fun, educational and exciting event that will help to raise funds for the building of the new SOUTH DAVIS HISTORICAL MUSEUM to be built at 800 South and Main Street, Bountiful City, Utah.  Proceeds from this event will go toward its construction fund.  It is being built to house the many wonderful historical articles, artifacts and photo's that the Bountiful Historical Commission and other local entities have collected over their many years.

 Free Admission. Suggested Donation of  $10 per person to benefit the South Davis History Museum

Meet Our Distinguished Event Speakers...

All our speakers are donating their time, knowledge and talents in this worthwhile effort. Please join us in supporting this historical event! 

Senator Orrin G. Hatch, United States Senator from Utah, proudly shows everyone who visits him a painting of his great-grandfather, Jeremiah Hatch, entering Utah's Uintah Basin on horseback. Jeremiah founded what is now Vernal in 1878, and left a great legacy.

Hatch reached his full height of 6’2” his junior year of high school. His height gave him considerable advantage on his school’s basketball team – but he weighed only 118 pounds. Despite his scrawny build, Hatch became a scrappy boxer and came to pack a jarring punch for a youngster his size. Hatch balanced his athletic pursuits with scholarly discipline and a passion for music. He learned to play the piano, organ, and violin. While in high school, Hatch was elected to the student Senate, and later as student body president. He earned a bachelor’s in history from Brigham Young University and a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh. As a student, Hatch learned the value of hard work.  He struggled to provide for a growing family as a janitor, lather, and all-night desk attendant in a dormitory.

In 1954, Hatch served a mission for the Mormon church to the Great Lakes . After returning, he married Elaine Hansen of Newton, Utah , on August 28, 1957.  They have six children and a growing brood of grand- and great-grandchildren, sometimes called “Hatchlings.” 

Dr. Glenn J. Kimber was born and raised in northern Utah.  He attended Weber State College and married Julianne Skousen, a daughter of W. Cleon Skousen, before serving in the Air Force.  He earned a B.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University in 1971 and joined Dr. Skousen in establishing the Freemen Institute, which was organized for the purpose of teaching American History and Constitutional studies.  He continued his education, receiving two Doctorate degrees, one in Constitutional studies in 1992 from Coral Ridge Baptist University , and the second from  George Wythe College, after consulted on their initial curriculum.  Dr. Kimber is an American author and educator. He founded Kimber Academy, a network of private schools called the Benjamin Franklin Academies, and is a prominent figure among U.S. homeschooling families.

Dr. Kimber is past president of the National Center for Constitutional Studies (NCCS), a conservative constitutionalist institution.  He joined William H. Doughty in building the Institute for Constitutional Education after it broke from the NCCS. Dr. Kimber and his wife have authored over 100 textbooks and guides which emphasize the U.S. Constitution, America's Founding Fathers, and moral and religious values in all five core subjects. He was instrumental in developing a program for television called "The Miracle of America," which was presented in numerous states.  Currently Dr. Kimber is the president of the Thomas Jefferson Center for Constitutional Studies, and conducts seminars throughout the United States called "The Healing of America."

  Jon McNaughton is a well-known artist from Utah whose paintings have attracted the attention of collectors from across the nation.  Breathtaking landscapes, nostalgic country scenes, and highly detailed religious subjects are the focus of his paintings. His roots trace back to rural Utah where he developed a deep love for his pioneer heritage which translates to his art.  Jon and his wife, Tammy are the parents of eight children.  A McNaughton painting has the timelessness of the masters of the past and yet speaks to the sensitivity of the modern observer. 

His latest work, One Nation Under God, elicits strong emotions of patriotism wrapped in a knowledge of the Christian influences that established this nation. Jon will be speaking about this new painting which depicts Christ holding the U.S. Constitution while behind him stand over forty patriots including the Founding Fathers, Eleven Presidents, and other important figures from U.S. history.  Standing before Christ are modern day  Americans and because of the times we live in, this work has ignited spirited conversation and strong support from those who are concerned with the plight of our country.  The painting is rich with over 60 points of symbolism.  Jon will explain some of the symbolism and talk about his inspiration for this incredibly powerful painting that now hangs in some of the most influencial offices in American politics!

 Mary Ellen (Wood) Smoot was born in Ogden, Utah and raised in Clearfield, Utah.  She was a natural born leader and  held many positions in student government. In 1952 Mary Ellen married Stanley Millard Smoot.  They have seven children and fostered five children.  Family History is Mary Ellen’s passion.  Every 24th of July she and her sisters organize the Wood Family Reunion.  This reunion is very elaborate with guest speakers, dances, competitions, parades and of course, family histories made available to family.

 In 1975 Mary Ellen co-authored, The City In-Between, a history of Centerville, with Marilyn Sheriff.  She also organized the Centerville Historical Society.   From 1997 to 2002 Mary Ellen served as the thirteenth General President of the Relief Society of the LDS Church.  In 1998 Mary Ellen went to Rome to help plan World Congress of Families held in Geneva, Switzerland in 1999.  She spoke at the Congress on “Suggestions to Strengthen Families” and received a standing ovation.  She and her husband currently serve on the advisory board of the West Ridge Academy. 

 Kim Burningham was asked to write a commemorative play for the events when Bountiful celebrated its centennial in 1991.  The result was a full year of history of Bountiful and a play named “Quadrille.”  His interest in Bountiful history was ignited then and has continued ever since. 

Kim taught Speech, Debate and Drama at Bountiful High School for 27 years, and has been a consultant in professional writing and presenting for Shipley Associates and Franklin Covey for 20 years.  He spent 11 years serving on the Utah State Board of Education where he also served as chair of the Board for 6 years.  Kim is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the PTA, has been twice named Outstanding Teacher of the Year, and has received numerous awards for teaching, writing and service.  His most recent honor was receiving the Gunn McKay Integrity in Government Award, 2010.  Kim and his wife, Susan reside in Bountiful and have two sons and six grandchildren.

 Mayor Joe Johnson of Bountiful City will be the Master of Ceremonies at our 'Proud to be an American' Celebration, July 9, 2010.