Our Vision
Educating History in Moab, Utah
History Moab's mission is to educate and preserve the rich human and natural history of the four corners region. Founded by local historian and guide Blaine Reniger, the organization has dedicated itself to researching and sharing the fascinating history of Moab, Utah and the four corners region with both locals and visitors.
Our Focus
Indigenous History
Humans have inhabited the four corners region for more than 13,000 years. From the paleo-archaic period to the formative period, these cultures have left a rich history that can be found in archeology. With no written language, we take historical analysis of artifacts, and piece them together to build an interpretation. From how they lived, hunted, gathered, farmed, traded and migrated.
Modern History
The Moab region was explored in the late 1700s throughout the 1800s by Spainards and Anglo Americans. Our unique geographical location has brought trails of passage through the valley, settlement attempts resulting in failures and success. It's brought farmers, cowboys, outlaws, miners and today, tourists.
Also, the modern indigenous tribes who still call this region home today.
Natural History
Natural History
Natural History is one to the wonders of our world here in the Moab region. With it so visible and tangible, it strikes many questions.
From the many geological sedimentary formations dating back 300 million years ago, to the numerous paleontological finds in our region, it paints a picture of what the Moab area looked like long ago.
Our founder, Blaine Reniger is in the Utah Paleontological Database as a discoverer of petrified logs within the cedar mesa formation.
About History Moab
Our Founder
Blaine Reniger is a prominent local historian, backcountry guide, and the founder of History Moab, an organization dedicated to the research, education, and preservation of the human and natural history of Southeast Utah. Since moving to Moab from North Carolina in 2019, Reniger has become a central figure in the community’s efforts to keep its diverse past—from Indigenous heritage and pioneer settlement to the uranium boom and the birth of the tourism industry—vividly alive.
Professional Background & History Moab
Reniger founded History Moab to bridge the gap between academic history and the public. His work focuses on making historical narratives relatable and accessible to both locals and visitors.
- Founder of History Moab: Reniger spearheads research projects, community lectures, and educational partnerships aimed at preserving the "versatile" past of the Four Corners region.
- Backcountry Guide: As the Operations Manager at Navtec Expeditions, Reniger combines his passion for history with his expertise as a guide, ensuring that the stories shared with visitors are accurate and deeply rooted in primary sources.
- Educator: He co-developed Moab History 101 in partnership with the Moab Museum. This program was originally designed to train local guides to move beyond "tall tales" and provide guests with factual, high-quality historical context.
Media & Community Contributions
Reniger uses various platforms to reach a wide audience, ensuring that Moab's history is more than just a footnote in a textbook.
- Broadcasting: For over six years, he hosted "The History Hour" on KZMU Moab Community Radio. In early 2026, the program transitioned into a 30-minute format titled "History Moab: On Air," featuring interviews with experts and local legends.
- Writing & Editorial Work: Reniger serves on the editorial board for Utah Stories Magazine, where he frequently authors articles on the significant people and events that shaped the region.
- Public Speaker: He is a frequent guest for the Canyonlands Natural History Association (CNHA) lecture series, presenting on topics such as the historical relations between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Current Projects
Reniger is currently working on several long-term initiatives to cement Moab's legacy:
- Authoring a Timeline History Book: He is writing a comprehensive book that details the timeline of the Moab region starting from the paleo-archaic period, covering the evolution of culture, migration, exploration, agriculture, settlements, mining, and tourism.
- Paleontological Discovery: His contributions extend to natural history; he is recognized in the Utah Paleontological Database for his discovery of petrified logs within the Cedar Mesa Formation.
"At the end of the day, it's just a sheer passion that is deep inside of me for this place and for the history... I've just been seeking to keep that history alive, and that comes in the form of education." — Blaine Reniger
History Moab Happenings
History Moab has proudly been apart of KZMU Moab Community Radio for many years. After a 6 years of "The History Hour" podcast, we transitioned to a 30 minute show called History Moab: On Air in early 2026. We will feature guests in a wide variety of historical subjects of the SE Utah region. The show airs live every 2nd Wednesday at 6:30 pm and is available to listen at kzmu.org.
Moab Museum History 101
History Moab has partnered up with the Moab Museum and developed a program set to educate guide services, NPS staff, and tourism based organizations in Moab, Utah.
Each private event is customized to the specific needs of the guide company, equipping guides with local knowledge of natural history, and human history of our region.
Moab Office of Tourism
History Moab has the pleasure of partnering with the Moab Office of Tourism to educate travel agents globally about the history of tourism in SE Utah, and what makes this region such a unique place to vacation from a history perspective.
SE Utah History for Utah Stories Magazine
History Moab's founder, Blaine Reniger is currently on the editorial board for Utah Stories Magazine and authors historic stories for the SE Utah region. Often, these stories are complied from interviewing locals within the Moab region.
CNHA Lecture Series
We are proud to partner and support Canyonlands Natural History Association and hold historic lectures they host at the Moab Information Center.
July 2025 History Moab's founder, Blaine Reniger did a presentation lecture titled "Arches and Canyonlands: Tracing the Historical Relations"
Stay tuned for the 2026 lecture!
History Podcast
"The History Hour" podcast began in the summer of 2020 and Ran until 2026 on KZMU Moab Community Radio and produced a new podcast every month. It featured many experts covering a wide variety of subjects such as, history of indigenous peoples, national parks, Colorado river, exploration, settlement, cowboys and outlaws, and even paleontology.
Regional History Book Coming Soon!
Regional History Book Coming Soon!
Regional History Book Coming Soon!
History Moab's, Blaine Reniger is currently authoring a timeline history book of the Moab region. The book will begin in the late 1700's and will cover major events and the people that have shaped Moab into what it is today. From exploration to settling, agriculture, mining, and tourism.
Book release date TBD - Stay tuned!