The Rare Books Department at the University of Utah’s J. Willard Marriott Library is excited to announce that registration is now open for the Designing Deseret Symposium on June 1st, 2026. 

Presented in collaboration with the Utah Bibliographical Society, Church History Library, Brigham Young University, Utah State University and the University of Utah, the symposium explores one of the most ambitious printing experiments in American history: the Deseret Alphabet. Scholars, printers, artists and enthusiasts will come together to examine the alphabet’s origins, its evolving cultural significance and its lasting impact on the history of the book. 

The day begins with breakfast, followed by a morning program of guest speakers and lunch and will conclude with a series of rotating hands-on workshops. During these 45-minute sessions, participants will engage directly with historical materials and practices: learning printing techniques in the Book Arts Studio, examining primary sources in the Rare Books Classroom and practicing reading and writing Deseret using period primers. 

Registration is $50, with student scholarships available.  

Space is limited. Register Now. 

About the Deseret Alphabet