The museum still tells the incredible stories of printing the scriptures, but it also tells the stories of the men and women who have used printing to change the world around them.

“Our mission here at the Crandall Printing Museum is to connect our visitors to the history of printing through hands-on experiences, critical questions, and the relationship between technological advances, all while learning new skills and gaining an appreciation for those who have forged the way before us,” said Holli Rogerson, museum director.

The museum invites the public to learn about Johannes Gutenberg, called the Man of the Millennium, and the printing revolution he sparked in 1455. Patrons can watch a demonstration of lead-type casting and the printing of a page from the Gutenberg Bible. They also demonstrate printing of the Declaration of Independence, the Book of Mormon, the Deseret News and Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac.

The museum will be offering workshops and guided tours for both private and school groups, as well as hosting lectures and events.

Mark Johnston, Daily Herald file photo

“If you can’t come to us, we can even come to your classroom. We want to become a place of creativity and learning, where there is something for everyone. We hope to bring together those who have the desire to learn new skills with those who are willing to share their talents,” Rogerson sad.

The museum is also looking for individuals who have learned the old trades, histories and day-to-day living of the colonials to modern day printing to help teach others.

Crandall history

Louis Eugene Crandall died on Sept. 11, 2016, at age 87. He left a legacy of life and love for the printed word and throughout his life collect printing presses.

At age 26, he developed the Neighborhood Times Newspaper Kit toy, which won national recognition as the top new toy of 1956. His greatest joy, besides his family, was building his beloved Crandall Historical Printing Museum that was housed at 275 W. Center Street in Provo.

“Lou” sunk nearly every dime he owned into making it the most complete printing museum in the world. And, for the most part, he succeeded — he even received a letter of recognition from the Smithsonian declaring it the only complete printing museum in the world — but he also succeeded in creating a massive debt nearing $100,000.

Courtesy Crandall Printing Museum

When he died, the museum went to his children. Louis Crandall Jr. did his best to operate it from his home in St. George with the help of his siblings, none of whom live locally anymore. He said he prayed every day that God would send someone to buy the museum and take it over.

Through one of Lou’s friends Royal Skousen, the miracle the Crandall family prayed for became a reality.

Skousen, a linguistics teacher at Brigham Young University, told Lou Jr. he had a student in his class — a wealthy, older woman working for her degree — who might be able to help out. Discussion ensued.

“He goes, ‘(This student) was in my office one day … and she asks me, what’s wrong with the Crandall Printing Museum? Why are they hurting?'” Crandall said. Skousen told her about the debt, Crandall said, to which she allegedly responded, “I’ll buy it.”

“I fell to the floor, in a puddle of tears. My prayers were answered,” Crandall Jr. said.

Mario Ruiz, Daily Herald file photo

Crandall Jr. met the buyer, who wishes to stay anonymous, and they hit it off.

“I’m like, you’re going to pay off my debt, you’re going to move everything on your dime. And you’re going to put it in a new building, and you’re going to call it the Crandall Printing Museum? You’re going to keep it the same?” Crandall asked.

The most important thing for the entire Crandall family, including their departed father, was to keep the museum local and running. That hope is now a reality, and the public can continue to learn how the printed word changed human history.

The museum hopes the public will help fill its calendar by making an appointment on their website or by calling 801-500-3099. The museum is open Monday through Saturday by appointment only, with the exception of a Family Home Evening Tour every Monday night at 7 p.m. The museum asks those interested to call ahead to reserve a spot, since there is limited space.

Upper and lower case of moveable type alphabet pieces used in the printshop at the Crandall Printing Museum in Alpine.

The replica of the Gutenberg Press at the Crandall Printing Museum in Alpine.

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