Discovery Road

The road trip adventures continue with this ongoing series of programs about the people and places of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area (MPNHA). "Discovery Road" features a 1977 Mercury Cougar with a fancy red and white exterior and a plush red velvet interior! Hosted by series creator James Nelson this show travels along U.S. Highway 89, All-American Road State Route 12, and Scenic Byway State Route 24. As the car drives along these roads, viewers will "discover" the things that make the MPNHA worth driving to themselves. "The MPNHA wants to tell a story and Discovery Road is one of the best ways we can do that. It takes people on a heritage journey just like they used to do with Sunday afternoon car rides," said MPNHA Executive Director Monte Bona. Using music, storytellers and the characters in the communities along the way, Discovery Road will present Utah's history, scenery and culture in an entertaining and educational manner. The Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area (MPNHA) is a federally designated area of central and southern Utah running along the beautiful and historic U. S. Highway 89 — including the All-American Road Utah State Route 12, and Capitol Reef Scenic Byway Utah State Route 24, which both intersect with U.S. 89 and together form the MPNHA’s Boulder Loop. The area includes the counties of Sanpete, Sevier, Piute, Wayne, Garfield and Kane. The Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance is the local coordinating entity of the MPNHA and receives annual funding from the National Park Service. Its purpose is to preserve, tell and interpret the stories, history and heritage of the area, and to promote its culture and value.

Discovery Road

Upcoming Episodes:

Honor, Valor & Heritage
Wednesday, November 14
12:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
In this episode Discovery Road travels along the road in search of military history with connections to heritage along the highway 89 corridor in central Utah. Our first stop is in historic Spring City, Utah where we discover efforts are underway to add some important history to the community which is already listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hundreds of veterans who have served in every war even before Utah became a state are going to be recognized on the new monument in Spring City. The B-17 heavy bomber airplane then makes an appearance as several World War II vets tell their stories about service aboard the plane. Then Discovery Road Show host James Nelson drives his 1977 Mercury Cougar to the scene of a touching military ceremony as the final chapter to the program unfolds. A compelling story about saying goodbye to World War II soldiers introduces the viewer to "Doc" Hedelius. "Doc" is the person called each time another veteran dies or whenever a special military service is warranted in central Utah.
Native Americans & Sacred Water
Saturday, November 17
6:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
A fascinating "Discovery Road" episode about Native American views of water from a variety of perspectives in and around the state of Utah. The program opens in southern Utah with a visit to the Kaibab-Piute Indian Reservation and Pipe Spring National Monument. The story of the natural springs gives insight to ancient history and modern views of the valuable water here. The Hot Springs just outside of Monroe, Utah have long been a source of intrigue, belief and dreams about humanity. Historians say it was used by prehistoric Indians as a sacred watering place. There is evidence all around the Hot Springs that ancient tribes did live there. Pictographs and the hot springs are discussed by local residents and others. From a distance you can see the distinct yellow and gold colored soil and rocks where the water still trickles from the earth. Through interviews, Goshute and Navajo voices plus archival and research materials "Discovery Road" will bring the Native American point of view front and center. Also in the episode Native American artists show their work and talk about how water fits into their art creations.
Native Americans & Sacred Water
Wednesday, November 21
12:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
A fascinating "Discovery Road" episode about Native American views of water from a variety of perspectives in and around the state of Utah. The program opens in southern Utah with a visit to the Kaibab-Piute Indian Reservation and Pipe Spring National Monument. The story of the natural springs gives insight to ancient history and modern views of the valuable water here. The Hot Springs just outside of Monroe, Utah have long been a source of intrigue, belief and dreams about humanity. Historians say it was used by prehistoric Indians as a sacred watering place. There is evidence all around the Hot Springs that ancient tribes did live there. Pictographs and the hot springs are discussed by local residents and others. From a distance you can see the distinct yellow and gold colored soil and rocks where the water still trickles from the earth. Through interviews, Goshute and Navajo voices plus archival and research materials "Discovery Road" will bring the Native American point of view front and center. Also in the episode Native American artists show their work and talk about how water fits into their art creations.
The Dreams I Left Behind
Saturday, November 24
6:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road takes the viewer across the Atlantic Ocean where A Utah family finds the roots of their own in England. Going back several generations the family finds where relatives split in England and what divided them. In an energetic family reunion in downtown Salt Lake City hundreds gather to connect with their past. Producers use music and historic perspective to bring this family story forward. History, culture and heritage give the viewer a peek into one family story that is touching and proud. Interviews in England, artifacts from a century ago and historic photos tell the story of the Graham family.
The Dreams I Left Behind
Wednesday, November 28
12:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road takes the viewer across the Atlantic Ocean where A Utah family finds the roots of their own in England. Going back several generations the family finds where relatives split in England and what divided them. In an energetic family reunion in downtown Salt Lake City hundreds gather to connect with their past. Producers use music and historic perspective to bring this family story forward. History, culture and heritage give the viewer a peek into one family story that is touching and proud. Interviews in England, artifacts from a century ago and historic photos tell the story of the Graham family.
Don't Let Them Be Forgotten
Saturday, December 1
6:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road introduces viewers to the Blackham family as they unravel their own past in England. Leaving the cotton mill factories meant the Utah family had to find a new place to call home. In central Utah’s Sanpete Valley Discovery Road trains the camera lens on Blackham family reunions and gatherings. Going back several generations the family finds out how brutal work was in the cotton mill factories. The harsh history lesson gives this family story a powerful perspective. Interviews in England, artifacts from a century ago and historic photos tell the story of the Blackham family.
Don't Let Them Be Forgotten
Wednesday, December 5
12:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road introduces viewers to the Blackham family as they unravel their own past in England. Leaving the cotton mill factories meant the Utah family had to find a new place to call home. In central Utah’s Sanpete Valley Discovery Road trains the camera lens on Blackham family reunions and gatherings. Going back several generations the family finds out how brutal work was in the cotton mill factories. The harsh history lesson gives this family story a powerful perspective. Interviews in England, artifacts from a century ago and historic photos tell the story of the Blackham family.
Music Is The Reason
Saturday, December 8
6:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road introduces viewers to the incredible musical heritage of Wales and how that connects to Utah. Going back several generations the viewer discovers how the tiny Sampete County, Utah town of Wales got its name and the family stories behind it! The musical segments in this show include a profile of the BYU Choral director and her Welsh roots and a surprising chapter with the singing Osmond family! Interviews in Wales with choir members, artifacts from a century ago, Welsh Days footage and historic photos tell the story of music and Wales.
Music Is The Reason
Wednesday, December 12
12:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road introduces viewers to the incredible musical heritage of Wales and how that connects to Utah. Going back several generations the viewer discovers how the tiny Sampete County, Utah town of Wales got its name and the family stories behind it! The musical segments in this show include a profile of the BYU Choral director and her Welsh roots and a surprising chapter with the singing Osmond family! Interviews in Wales with choir members, artifacts from a century ago, Welsh Days footage and historic photos tell the story of music and Wales.
Butch Cassidy, Wales & Outlaw Ways
Saturday, December 15
6:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road introduces viewers to the connection between outlaw Butch Cassidy and a family in Wales that immigrated to Utah. The family in Wales learns about the western bandit and realizes they have an amazing connection to the American West. The documentary also visits with relatives of Butch Cassidy in Utah who maintain he died in the United States and not the way it is portrayed in the movies. The movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is discussed as it relates to family history. In addition scenes in the film featuring Grafton, Utah are explored as icons with powerful meaning for the movie and historic preservation. Also a small Utah town lifts the curtain on its treatment of the outlaw Butch Cassidy story.
Butch Cassidy, Wales & Outlaw Ways
Wednesday, December 19
12:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road introduces viewers to the connection between outlaw Butch Cassidy and a family in Wales that immigrated to Utah. The family in Wales learns about the western bandit and realizes they have an amazing connection to the American West. The documentary also visits with relatives of Butch Cassidy in Utah who maintain he died in the United States and not the way it is portrayed in the movies. The movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is discussed as it relates to family history. In addition scenes in the film featuring Grafton, Utah are explored as icons with powerful meaning for the movie and historic preservation. Also a small Utah town lifts the curtain on its treatment of the outlaw Butch Cassidy story.
The Snow College Story
Saturday, December 22
6:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road shows viewers how a small college in small town America can have a big impact on Utah and the world. Looking at history the college has an impressive story of how it all got started in Ephraim, Utah. The cramped, non-descript rooms where classes were first held and the modern, state-of-the-art facilities now on campus are visited in the show. The music department at Snow College hits all the right notes as it connects with the Julliard School of Music in New York. The documentary also reveals a World War II love story that has become a part of Snow College. The dedicated veterans, their hopes and dreams during wartime are featured. The show also chronicles early science programs and concludes with a glimpse at future campus opportunity.
The Snow College Story
Wednesday, December 26
12:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road shows viewers how a small college in small town America can have a big impact on Utah and the world. Looking at history the college has an impressive story of how it all got started in Ephraim, Utah. The cramped, non-descript rooms where classes were first held and the modern, state-of-the-art facilities now on campus are visited in the show. The music department at Snow College hits all the right notes as it connects with the Julliard School of Music in New York. The documentary also reveals a World War II love story that has become a part of Snow College. The dedicated veterans, their hopes and dreams during wartime are featured. The show also chronicles early science programs and concludes with a glimpse at future campus opportunity.
Road Stops & Stop Signs
Saturday, December 29
6:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road pays a visit to small town America with stops in Spring City, Duck Creek Village, and Alton, Utah. A taste of pie in Duck Creek, a tour of historic homes in Spring City and a real show stopper in Alton will give viewers insight to life off the main highway. The show offers a look at the longstanding sheep industry in the Sanpete Valley through the lens of a still photographer. Beautiful photos document the wool gathering process, workers and showcase the range sheep call home. The documentary also introduces us to an artist who paints on barn wood. The unique style has been applied to an amazing World War II story with an intriguing tie to September 11. The road travels include a visit to a small town library to check out a few yarns about the historic corridor along highway 89.

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Past Episodes:

Honor, Valor & Heritage

Saturday, November 10
6:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
In this episode Discovery Road travels along the road in search of military history with connections to heritage along the highway 89 corridor in central Utah. Our first stop is in historic Spring City, Utah where we discover efforts are underway to add some important history to the community which is already listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hundreds of veterans who have served in every war even before Utah became a state are going to be recognized on the new monument in Spring City. The B-17 heavy bomber airplane then makes an appearance as several World War II vets tell their stories about service aboard the plane. Then Discovery Road Show host James Nelson drives his 1977 Mercury Cougar to the scene of a touching military ceremony as the final chapter to the program unfolds. A compelling story about saying goodbye to World War II soldiers introduces the viewer to "Doc" Hedelius. "Doc" is the person called each time another veteran dies or whenever a special military service is warranted in central Utah.
Wasatch Academy

Wednesday, November 7
12:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
The incredible story of Wasatch Academy is rolled out during a Discovery Road visit to the Mt. Pleasant, Utah campus amid the 2014 Founders Day celebration. Discovery Road crew members tour the school grounds and meet old timers who attended the school half-a-century ago. In contrast the student profile of today shows 37 nations represented with foreign languages heard in every classroom. Discovery Road chats with these international students about their experience in America. In addition the compelling story of how a Presbyterian minister started the school in the heart of Mormon country and how he carried a pistol to the pulpit just in case there was trouble.
Wasatch Academy

Saturday, November 3
6:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
The incredible story of Wasatch Academy is rolled out during a Discovery Road visit to the Mt. Pleasant, Utah campus amid the 2014 Founders Day celebration. Discovery Road crew members tour the school grounds and meet old timers who attended the school half-a-century ago. In contrast the student profile of today shows 37 nations represented with foreign languages heard in every classroom. Discovery Road chats with these international students about their experience in America. In addition the compelling story of how a Presbyterian minister started the school in the heart of Mormon country and how he carried a pistol to the pulpit just in case there was trouble.
Scandinavian Show

Wednesday, October 31
12:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road gives the viewer a seat on a tour bus as it traverses through the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. The show follows a group of tour guide operators as they experience Scandinavian Days and all that goes into that annual celebration. The story of one of the most unique building blocks you will ever see or hear about is told in the program. Oolite stone was quarried out the mountains in Sanpete County, Utah and used in buildings like the Kearns Mansion, The Keith Mansion, several Mormon temples, the Park Building at the University of Utah, the Washington Monument and the Hearst Mansion overlooking San Simeon Bay south of San Francisco. Discovery Road then pays a visit to a small town furniture store to see how pioneers made their chairs, sofas and tables. Pull up a comfortable chair you won't want to miss this episode of Discovery Road!
Scandinavian Show

Saturday, October 27
6:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road gives the viewer a seat on a tour bus as it traverses through the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. The show follows a group of tour guide operators as they experience Scandinavian Days and all that goes into that annual celebration. The story of one of the most unique building blocks you will ever see or hear about is told in the program. Oolite stone was quarried out the mountains in Sanpete County, Utah and used in buildings like the Kearns Mansion, The Keith Mansion, several Mormon temples, the Park Building at the University of Utah, the Washington Monument and the Hearst Mansion overlooking San Simeon Bay south of San Francisco. Discovery Road then pays a visit to a small town furniture store to see how pioneers made their chairs, sofas and tables. Pull up a comfortable chair you won't want to miss this episode of Discovery Road!
Garfield County

Wednesday, October 24
12:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road gives the viewer an exciting ride through the diverse landscape and stunning beauty that is found in Garfield County. History comes alive through stories about a blind telephone switchboard operator and a visit to a western collectible store where a woman entertains customers by quilting! A real discovery comes in Escalante, Utah where a man who repairs flat tires for foreign travelers tells us his story. There's also a fun visit to an old movie theater perched atop an ice cream store. The program concludes with a look back at historic Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon National Park. Historic photos and film accompany exciting interviews throughout this entertaining and educational show.
Garfield County

Saturday, October 20
6:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
This episode of Discovery Road gives the viewer an exciting ride through the diverse landscape and stunning beauty that is found in Garfield County. History comes alive through stories about a blind telephone switchboard operator and a visit to a western collectible store where a woman entertains customers by quilting! A real discovery comes in Escalante, Utah where a man who repairs flat tires for foreign travelers tells us his story. There's also a fun visit to an old movie theater perched atop an ice cream store. The program concludes with a look back at historic Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon National Park. Historic photos and film accompany exciting interviews throughout this entertaining and educational show.
Filmmakers Shootout In Kane County

Wednesday, October 17
12:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
The 2014 Kane County Filmmakers Shootout attracted filmmakers, film lovers and plenty of movie goers. Discovery Road was on hand as organizers handed out the film assignments and then unleashed the film makers to make their movies. In just over 48 hours their work was done and the judging was underway. An exciting fleet of movies was screened at the historic Crescent Moon Theater in Kanab to a standing room only crowd. The western movie history, world famous landscape and local talent were all included in the films. Discovery Road interviewed the filmmakers, movie officials and movie buffs. They followed the film crews as they worked and then watched as the movies were screened. This behind the scenes episode offers insight to a fun competition and shows how much is learned during the weeklong event.
Filmmakers Shootout In Kane County

Saturday, October 13
6:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
The 2014 Kane County Filmmakers Shootout attracted filmmakers, film lovers and plenty of movie goers. Discovery Road was on hand as organizers handed out the film assignments and then unleashed the film makers to make their movies. In just over 48 hours their work was done and the judging was underway. An exciting fleet of movies was screened at the historic Crescent Moon Theater in Kanab to a standing room only crowd. The western movie history, world famous landscape and local talent were all included in the films. Discovery Road interviewed the filmmakers, movie officials and movie buffs. They followed the film crews as they worked and then watched as the movies were screened. This behind the scenes episode offers insight to a fun competition and shows how much is learned during the weeklong event.
Mormon Trail: The Disabled Ones

Wednesday, October 10
12:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
Discovery Road travels down the historic Mormon Trail to uncover one of the more inspiring chapters of Mormon Trail history ever. Historians share with our documentary team the little known stories about people on the trail who had challenges beyond the mountains, rivers, weather and long distances. Blindness, mental problems, club foot, amputees and many others are featured in the program. Descendants of these courageous pioneers discuss the amazing courage and struggles involved within the journey. Inspiration comes to the surface as the families reveal how subsequent generations honor and benefit from those disabled forefathers.
Mormon Trail: The Disabled Ones

Saturday, October 6
6:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
Discovery Road travels down the historic Mormon Trail to uncover one of the more inspiring chapters of Mormon Trail history ever. Historians share with our documentary team the little known stories about people on the trail who had challenges beyond the mountains, rivers, weather and long distances. Blindness, mental problems, club foot, amputees and many others are featured in the program. Descendants of these courageous pioneers discuss the amazing courage and struggles involved within the journey. Inspiration comes to the surface as the families reveal how subsequent generations honor and benefit from those disabled forefathers.
Mormon Trail - The Forgotten Ones

Wednesday, October 3
12:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
Discovery Road returns to the historic Mormon Trail to search for traces of family members who did not make it all the way to Zion. The story unfolds with treks to major stops on the trail for initial information. Then the stories begin to unfold about how loved ones were lost to illness or were unable to continue the journey. Despite the difficult and harrowing experiences on the trail pioneers continued westward. This show brings forward the lasting family memories coupled with examples of family success stories.