About Silver Reef
Silver Reef is more than just a ghost town. There’s a big group of people volunteering their time to preserve and present the history of people that once represented a period of Utah’s mining past. The museum and surrounding grounds display what life was like here in the late 1800s.
This page explains our mission and purpose, along with who is behind the work required to preserve the unique history found here.
Who We Are
Silver Reef is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the remarkable story of this one‑of‑a‑kind mining town. Our mission is simple: protect the history, landscapes, and artifacts of Silver Reef so future generations can experience the same sense of wonder that continues to inspire us today.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Museum at Silver Reef is to educate and engage visitors in the following subjects:
- The history of the town of Silver Reef and its citizens, as well as the history of surrounding communities, as it relates to Silver Reef
- The story of the silver mines and the mining operations which gave rise to the town
- The unique geology and ecology of the area
- The history of Southern Utah as it affected, and was affected by, Silver Reef
What We’ve Accomplished
- Restoration and preservation of historic sites
- Development of museum exhibits and interpretive materials
- Creation of educational programs for schools and visitors
- Ongoing research into mining, geology, and community history
- Stewardship of archives, photographs, and artifacts
Our Volunteers & Docents
Silver Reef thrives because of the people who give their time, energy, and expertise. Our volunteers and docents welcome visitors, lead tours, support events, maintain exhibits, and help keep the story of Silver Reef alive.
Staff Leadership
Brandon Smith, Museum Director
Tom Stirling, Museum Manager