Our Vision
The Encyclopedia of Emery County is the definitive reference work on Emery County, Utah — a comprehensive survey of its land, people, history, institutions, and culture from deep geological time to the present day.
Written for residents, descendants of pioneer families, genealogical researchers, academic historians, and visitors to the region, it serves as both a scholarly resource and a genuinely engaging read. Success means producing a published, comprehensive, and rigorously sourced work that preserves Emery County's story in a form that is both authoritative and accessible.
Scope: Six Thematic Parts
The Encyclopedia organizes its content into six thematic parts, each building on the previous:
- Part I: Foundations — Natural landscape (geology, climate, flora, fauna, night skies)
- Part II: Peoples — Indigenous cultures and history (Ancestral Puebloans, Fremont, Ute, Paiute, Shoshone, Navajo)
- Part III: Settlement — Mormon colonization, mining, communities, infrastructure, and land use
- Part IV: Culture & Identity — Arts, foodways, oral histories, celebrations, and notable people
- Part V: Field Guide — Scenic drives, hiking, photography spots, hot springs, and wildlife viewing
- Part VI: Resources — Practical information, glossary, systematic index, and appendices
Across these six parts, 43 chapters cover every significant topic in Emery County's history, culture, and natural heritage.
Research Approach
Every factual claim in the Encyclopedia is verified against primary sources. Our research draws from:
- Primary sources: Government records, vital records, court and land records, LDS ward histories, oral histories, GEDCOM data, FamilySearch collections
- Secondary sources: Published county histories, newspaper archives, academic papers
- Digital resources: USGS data, NPS/BLM records, GIS datasets, census data
- Field research: On-the-ground observation, photography, GPS waypoints, and direct interviews
When sources conflict, we document all versions. When sources are thin, we flag gaps explicitly rather than filling them with speculation.
Design Principles
Accuracy Over Speed
Every claim must be verifiable against a cited source. It is better to leave a section stubbed than to publish something wrong.
Accessible to General Readers
Scholarly rigor without academic jargon. Written at a level a motivated high-school student can follow.
Respect for Tribal Communities
Indigenous history chapters prioritize tribal perspectives, use collaborative stewardship language, and avoid treating Native peoples as historical artifacts.
Engagement Through Interactivity
Includes trivia call-outs, family activities, youth scavenger hunts, and practical field-guide itineraries that invite readers to experience the county firsthand.
Dual Format: Print & Digital
The Encyclopedia exists as both a print manuscript and a living digital resource. Chapters appear on this website as they are completed — allowing early access while the full manuscript is being prepared for publication. The final printed edition will include all 43 chapters plus front matter (preface, how-to guide), back matter (appendices, glossary, index), and a comprehensive source bibliography.
About the Author
The Encyclopedia of Emery County is authored by Greg Maxfield, whose family roots in Emery County span generations. This project combines deep personal connection to the region with rigorous academic research, oral history collection, and field photography. The work is AI-assisted — leveraging Claude and custom automation tools to accelerate research, drafting, and fact-checking across a 43-chapter, multi-year effort.
Get in Touch
Have questions? Found an error or have additional sources to suggest? Interested in contributing oral history or photographs? We'd love to hear from you.
Contact the Editor