Legacy—Great Stories from Church and Family History

93: Lincoln and The Mormons

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:00:00 MST

Author Ron Anderson discusses Abraham Lincoln and his relationship with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

92: Joseph Smith's America

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 06:00:00 MST

What was America like in the time of Joseph Smith? Historians Chad Orton and Bill Slaughter talk about art, music and politics in Joseph Smith's America.

91: John Taylor

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 06:00:00 MST

He is the only President of the church not born in the United States. This episode of Legacy discusses the life of President John Taylor.

90: Women of Faith

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 06:00:00 MST

Historian Brittany Chapman talks about some of the lesser known Latter-day Saint women.

89: The Cardston Alberta Temple

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 06:00:00 MST

Delayed in part by World War I, construction of the Cardston Alberta Temple lasted for 10 years. This temple was a first in many ways.

88: Southern Alberta

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 06:00:00 MST

They pitched their tents in the rain and mud that first night. Historians talk about early Latter-day Saint settlements in Southern Alberta, Canada.

87: Exhibiting Mormonism

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 06:00:00 MST

The 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, Illinois, presented Latter-day Saints with their first opportunity to introduce the Church to an international audience. Historian Reid Neilson talks about this critical event in Church history.

86: To the Peripheries of Mormondom

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 06:00:00 MST

In 1920, Apostle David O. McKay and Hugh J. Cannon traveled over 60,000 miles, visiting members of the Church around the world. Historian Reid Neilson talks about this historic trip.

85: The Joseph Smith Papers - Histories

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 06:00:00 MST

Historians discuss the latest volume from the Joseph Smith Papers project.

84: The Joseph Smith Papers Project

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 06:00:00 MST

Historians discuss the Joseph Smith Papers project and share insights into the history of the project and what the future holds.

83: Brigham Young

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 06:00:00 MST

Colonizer, territorial Governor, and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young.

82: Quiet Hero

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 06:00:00 MST

Under repeated grenade and mortar fire, Latter-day Saint George Wahlen refused evacuation, preferring to aid those he perceived to be in greater danger. Author Gary Toyn discusses the remarkable life of this World War II US Medal of Honor recipient.

81: George Washington Bean

Mon, 28 May 2012 06:00:00 MST

Few people can say they founded a major western city. Even fewer can say they did it at age 18. Vicki Bean Topliff discusses the remarkable life of pioneer George Washington Bean.

80: Passage on the Titanic

Mon, 21 May 2012 06:00:00 MST

Irene Corbett was a Latter-day Saint wife and mother of three. She was returning from studying medicine in London and, unfortunately, booked her passage on the Titanic.

79: Life of a Century

Mon, 14 May 2012 06:00:00 MST

106-year-old Lorna Call Alder has lived an extraordinary life by any standards. Growing up in the Mormon colonies of Mexico, she remembers meeting Poncho Villa during the Mexican revolution. Historian Barbara Jones Brown talks about the remarkable life of this remarkable woman.

78: George Albert Smith

Mon, 07 May 2012 06:00:00 MST

Historian Mary Jayne Woodger discusses the life of President George Albert Smith.

77: The Battle at Crooked River

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 06:00:00 MST

Although it lasted only a few minutes, the Battle of Crooked River was a pivotal moment in Church History. Dr. Alex Baugh discusses this battle and how it lead to the infamous extermination order.

76: The Beehive House

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:00:00 MST

Historians Emily Utt and Chad Orton discuss the history of the Beehive House.

75: Women of West Africa

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:00:00 MST

Historian Angela Ames discusses the lives of Latter-day Saint women in West Africa.

74: History of Young Women Camps

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:00:00 MST

The year 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of Young Women camps in the Church. In this episode of Legacy we discuss that first camp and how camps have evolved over the century.

73: George Q. Cannon

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:00:00 MST

Historian Chad Orton discusses Elder George Q. Canon's mission to the Hawaiian Islands.

72: Growing Up in Harmony

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 06:00:00 MST

Historian Mark Staker shares insights into Emma Smith's early years in Harmony, PA.

71: The Prophet Joseph Smith

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:00:00 MST

This documentary episode of Legacy depicts the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

70: Much Ado about Mormons

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 06:00:00 MST

What did Mark Twain say about the Mormons? How about Sharon Osbourne or Charles Dickens? What did they have to say? In this episode of Legacy we discuss what famous people throughout history have said about Mormons.

69: The Others in Nauvoo

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:00:00 MST

Dr. Scott Esplin discusses the other groups that settled in Nauvoo. He also shares insights into the Church's return to Nauvoo in the 20th century.

68: Standards - History of the Young Women Organization

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 06:00:00 MST

Members of the Young Women General Board and the Young Women History committee discuss Young Women standards throughout the history of the Young Women organization.

67: Activities - History of the Young Women Organization

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 06:00:00 MST

In 1890, the Young Ladies general presidency wrote the following instructions to stake leaders: "Remember that perfect womanhood is the object for which you are laboring, and everything which will tend to your development physically, mentally, and morally should be adopted by the associations." Members of the Young Women History Committee discuss how activities have always been an important part of the Young Women organization.

66: Temples - History of the Young Women Organization

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:00:00 MST

Did you know that in 1893 President Wilford Woodruff held a special dedicatory session in the Salt Lake Temple for only the youth of the Church? Members of the Young Women History Committee discuss how temple worship has always been an important part of the Young Women organization.

65: Retrenchment - History of the Young Women Organization

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 06:00:00 MST

The Young Women organization of the Church was founded by President Brigham Young 1869 as the "Young Ladies' Department of the Cooperative Retrenchment Association." The word "retrench" means to cut back or reduce. Members of the Young Women History Committee discuss how Brigham Young asked his daughters to lead out in cutting back extravagance and reducing the influence of the world.

64: Joseph Smith for President

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 06:00:00 MST

He was a prophet, a mayor, a general, and a U.S. presidential candidate. Dr. Arnie Garr discusses the events that led up to Joseph Smith's nomination and the effect his campaign had on the Church and U.S. politics.

63: History of the Church in Mexico

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:00:00 MST

Historian Kirk Henrichsen discusses the history of the Church in Mexico. He shares insights into the country's political struggles and wars, as well as the first missionaries and the first Spanish translation of the Book of Mormon.

62: The Church History Museum

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 06:00:00 MST

Church History Museum curator Rita Wright discusses the museum, its exhibits and displays and shares insights into the work of a museum curator.

61: Pieces of Me

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 06:00:00 MST

Quilting is not just a hobby. Historians Jennifer Hadley, Angela Ames, and Jeanne Fetzer talk about quilts as an art form, a family record, and a historical document.

60: Mormonism and Music

Mon, 16 May 2011 06:00:00 MST

BYU’s Dr. Michael Hicks discusses music during the early years of the Church. Learn how attitudes toward music and dance have evolved over the years.

59: The Men Behind the Gun

Fri, 06 May 2011 06:00:00 MST

Inventive genius. Public servant. Man of integrity. Man of faith. These are just some of the terms used to describe gun makers Jonathan Browning and John Moses Browning.

58: Voices from the Past

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:00:00 MST

Have you ever heard the voice of Wilford Woodruff? Do you know what J. Golden Kimball sounded like? Would you like to hear Heber J. Grant sing? Andrew Thomas from the Church History Department discusses the restoration of historical audio recordings and shares some of his favorites.

57: The Life of Charles W. Penrose

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 06:00:00 MST

He joined the Church in England and served seven years as a missionary before emigrating to Utah. Historian Kenneth Godfrey discusses the life of missionary, Apostle, and First Presidency member Charles W. Penrose.

56: Building the City of Zion

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 06:00:00 MST

It was kind of like Utah’s first homeowners’ association. Craig Galli discusses Joseph Smith’s plan for Salt Lake City and how it was implemented by Brigham Young.

55: There Shall Be a Record Kept

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 06:00:00 MST

At the organization of the Church on April 6, 1830, the Lord commanded, “Behold, there shall be a record kept among you” (D&C 21:1). Members of the Church History Department discuss the new Church History Library in downtown Salt Lake City. Find out what the building contains, what services are available, and what the future holds for history.

54: Brothers Across Enemy Lines

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:00:00 MST

At the beginning of World War I, a German missionary, Elder Wilhelm Kessler, serving in Switzerland, left the mission field and returned to his native Germany to serve his country. Historian Jeff Anderson discusses the life of Elder Kessler and the correspondence he maintained during the war with his American mission president.

53: Temples to Dot the Earth

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:00:00 MST

Author and historian Richard Cowan discusses ancient and modern temples.

52: The Life of David O. McKay

Mon, 7 Feb 2011 11:00:00 MST

He was a football quarterback, a valedictorian, and a singer in a dance band. Historian Mary Jane Woodger discusses the life of President David O. McKay.

51: Kanesville, Iowa

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:00:00 MST

In the dedicatory prayer of the Kanesville Tabernacle, President Gordon B. Hinckley stated: “May the tabernacle stand as a landmark in this community. May it be a place to remember and ponder the lives and deeds of men and women, who were endowed with a great overpowering sense of mission and who, out of love for a great cause, were willing to give their all, even life itself.” Historian Gary Boatright Jr. discusses the early Mormon settlement of Kanesville, Iowa.

50: The Life of Karl G. Maeser

Fri, 7 Jan 2011 12:00:00 MST

Speaking of Karl G. Maeser, Elder James E. Talmage said: “There are few men in Israel whose demise would be mourned by a larger circle. He has endeared himself to the hearts of the Latter-day Saints throughout the world. His work has been a great one and nobly has it been accomplished. I feel that he was assuredly foreordained to his labor as a teacher in Zion. His place is not to be taken by another.” Historian Buddy Richards discusses the life of educator Karl G. Maeser.

49: Sweetwater Rescue

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 06:00:00 MST

Although fewer than 10 percent of the early Latter-day Saint emigrants to the Salt Lake Valley made the journey using handcarts, the handcart pioneers have become an icon in LDS culture, representing the faith and sacrifice of the pioneer generation. Historian Chad Orton discusses the Sweetwater Rescue of the Willie and Martin handcart pioneers.

48: Ruth May Fox

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 06:00:00 MST

In her autobiography, Ruth May Fox wrote of her arrival into the Salt Lake Valley. “At last the long journey was ended. We had pulled up the hill out of Parley’s Canyon just as twilight had shrouded the valley. We could still catch a glimpse of the city below, but I confess to some disappointment as I asked, ‘did we come all this way for that?’ This, however, was my first and last disappointment.” Historian and great-granddaughter Brittany Chapman discusses the life of Ruth May Fox.

47: Matthew Cowley - Man of Great Faith

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:00:00 MST

At the funeral service for Elder Matthew Cowley, President David O. McKay said, “Truly, he has left a legacy rich in lofty thought and virtuous deed. He was one of nature’s true noblemen.” Filmmakers Laurie and Paul Stephens discuss the life of Elder Matthew Cowley.

46: Those They Left Behind

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:00:00 MST

Historian Chad Orton discusses the lives of the wives and children left behind when men were called to leave their families and serve missions.

45: Porter Rockwell

Wed, 8 Dec 2010 12:00:00 MST

Porter Rockwell – The Man, The Myth, The Legend. Authors John Rockwell and Jerry Borrowman discuss the life of Orin Porter Rockwell.

44: Archeological Research in Nauvoo

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:00:00 MST

Historian Don Enders discusses archeological findings in Nauvoo. Learn how a broken piece of pottery or a button from a coat can give us insight into the lives of the Saints who built "The City Beautiful."

43: Ordinary Saints

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 06:00:00 MST

The American frontier was not a stagnant commodity to be surrounded and conquered. It was moving and elusive to all but those willing to keep pace with its retreat. For three centuries it backed away from being tamed and constricted. This bold American frontier became the backdrop for the life stories of innumerable pioneers, frontiersmen, and settlers, most of whom have been lost in the shadows of history. Historian Ron Barney discusses the lives of ordinary pioneers.

42: Helmuth Hubener

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 06:00:00 MST

For many it was a time when patriotism and faith were at odds. It was a time when truth was treason. Filmmakers Rick McFarland and Matthew Whitaker discuss the life of Helmuth Hubener, a 16-year-old Mormon boy who actively resisted the Nazi movement in Germany during World War II.

41: Record and Remember

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 06:00:00 MST

From keeping dozens of journals and writing poetry to photo journalism and fine art, pioneer Latter-day Saint women found ways to remember and record the events, feelings, and testimonies of their often-difficult lives. Historian Christine Cox discusses the lives of early Latter-day Saint women and their contributions as artists, photographers, and actors.

40: The Pratt Brothers

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 06:00:00 MST

Before his death, Parley P. Pratt described his life as "stranger than fiction." He wrote that he had been a farmer, a servant, a fisher, a digger, a beggar, a preacher, an author, an editor, a senator, a traveler, a merchant, an elder, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Historians Robert and Matthew Grow discuss the lives of Parley and Orson Pratt.

39: Mormon Myths

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 06:00:00 MST

We have all heard them: stories of mysterious empty spaces in the Salt Lake Temple that turn out to be the perfect size for elevators 50 years later. Or Jaredite barges found in Lake Michigan. Join members of the Church History Department as they set the record straight on Mormon Myths.

38: History of Seminaries and Institutes - By Study and By Faith

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 06:00:00 MST

In the Doctrine and Covenants, section 109, verse 7, the Lord commands, "Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith." Historians Kenneth and Audrey Godfrey relate the history of seminaries and institutes in the Church.

37: Liberty to the Downtrodden - The Life of Thomas Kane

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 06:00:00 MST

Thomas L. Kane, a defender of women’s rights and crusader for the abolition of slavery, became the most ardent defender of Mormons' religious liberty. Though not a Mormon, Kane became a great friend to Brigham Young. His intervention during the Utah War of 1857-58 prevented a potentially bloody conflict. Historian Matthew Grow discusses the life of this extraordinary man.

36: Joseph Smith Visit to Washington

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 06:00:00 MST

In December 1839 the Prophet Joseph Smith traveled to Washington, DC, and met with U.S. President Martin Van Buren requesting his intercession in the treatment of the Saints in Missouri. Historians Ron Barney and Jeffrey Cannon discuss this trip and the outcome of this historic meeting.

35: History of the Translation Department

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 06:00:00 MST

Currently, various Church materials such as books, manuals, and broadcasts are available in 166 languages. In this episode, host Nathan Wright discusses the history and future of translation in the Church with members of the Church’s Translation Division.

34: Lucy Mack Smith

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 06:00:00 MST

Lucy Mack Smith

33: The Early Church Organization

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 06:00:00 MST

The early Church organization.

32: Give Up All and Follow Your Lord

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 06:00:00 MST

For early Latter-day Saint women, religion took precedence over every other aspect of their lives, including money, social standing, and geographical location. These women waded through waters of sacrifice to reach their goals. Historian Janiece Johnson discusses the lives and writings of early Mormon women.

31: Early Salt Lake Valley

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 06:00:00 MST

What was once a fort is now a city park. Where a school once stood is now home to an office high-rise. Historian Randy Dixon discusses the early Salt Lake Valley.

30: Gardens of Temple Square

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:00:00 MST

Temple Square in Salt Lake City is one of the country's top tourist attractions. Anyone who has visited this 10-acre square has been impressed by the beauty of its gardens. Ester Truitt Henrichsen and Peter Lassig discuss the history and evolution of Temple Square and its surrounding gardens.

29: The Lion and the Lioness

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:00:00 MST

Episode 29: The Lion and The Lioness - He was born in 1801, she in 1804. He was a man known for his humor and gruffness, she a woman known for her sobriety and refinement. He preached unforgettable sermons, though he never learned to spell. She wrote reams of poetry and songs. This is how Legacy guest Jill Mulvay-Derr discribes Brigham Young and Eliza R. Snow.

28: The life of W. W. Phelps

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:00:00 MST

Episode 28: "Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah! Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer. Blessed to open the last dispensation, Kings shall extol him, and nations revere." William Wines Phelps wrote these words shortly after the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Retired BYU professor Bruce Van Orton discusses the life of W. W. Phelps.

27: Historical Restoration

Wed, 12 May 2010 12:00:00 MST

Episode 27: Historical Restoration. Historical documents and artifacts give us a window into the past, but someone who really cares and knows what they are doing has to do something to preserve these treasures. Chris McAfee, Jennifer Hadley, Russ Fuhriman, and Larry Montgomery discuss the restoration of such items.

26: A Funny Thing Happened

Wed, 12 May 2010 11:00:00 MST

Episode 26: A Funny Thing Happened. Although the Mormon migration west was a time of great difficulty, it was also a time of great adventure, a time of singing and dancing, a time for laughing. Historians Mel Bashore, Michael Landon, and Chad Orton share the lighter side of the trek west.

25: Kirtland, Ohio

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:00:00 MST

Episode 25: Kirtland. Of the 138 sections in the Doctrine and Covenants, 65 of those sections were given in Ohio from 1831-1837. It was in Kirtland, Ohio, that the Lord revealed the Word of Wisdom. Kirtland was also the site of the first latter-day temple. Jenny Lund and Mark Staker of the Church History Department join host Nathan Wright in the studio.

24: Palmyra, New York

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:00:00 MST

Don Enders has worked for many years in the Historic Sites program in the Church History Department. On this episode of Legacy, Don discusses archaeological research in and around Palmyra, New York. This research has helped historians understand the layout of the Joseph Smith farm and has given greater understanding into the everyday lives of those living in the cradle of the Restoration.

23: Recap

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:00:00 MST

Episode 23: Recap of prior episodes with producer Matt Henderson and host Nathan Wright.

22: St. George, Utah

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:00 MST

Episode 22: The purpose of the Church Historic Sites program is to strengthen the faith of Church members and interest others in the restored gospel by increasing visitors' understanding of the significant events, buildings, and sites in Church history and the gospel principles associated with them. Emily Utt, Michael Landon, and Mel Bashore of the Church History Department join host Nathan Wright in the studio.

21: Brigham Young - Part 2

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:00:00 MST

Episode 21: Throughout the world, Brigham Young is more widely recognized than the Prophet Joseph Smith. Year after year, the pioneer leader is listed among the most influential Americans in history. Although the name “Brigham Young” is widely recognized, the man himself might be listed among the most misunderstood. Chad Orton and William Slaughter, authors of the book 40 Ways to Look at Brigham Young, join host Nathan Wright in the studio to take a look at Brigham’s life. Part 2 of 2.

20: Brigham Young - Part 1

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:00 MST

Episode 20: Throughout the world, Brigham Young is more widely recognized than the Prophet Joseph Smith. Year after year, the pioneer leader is listed among the most influential Americans in history. Although the name “Brigham Young” is widely recognized, the man himself might be listed among the most misunderstood. Chad Orton and William Slaughter, authors of the book 40 Ways to Look at Brigham Young, join host Nathan Wright in the studio to take a look at Brigham’s life. Part 1 of 2.

19: History of Disability Services

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:00:00 MST

Episode 19: History of Disability Services. Broadcasting has become a powerful means for sharing the gospel message. But what if you couldn't hear? What if you were unable to see or read? This episode of Legacy features a discussion with Doug Hind and Brent Meisinger about disability services in the Church. Services for the disabled include American Sign Language (ASL), audio recordings of written materials, and braille in both English and Spanish.

18: Joseph Smith Papers

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:00:00 MST

Episode 18: The Joseph Smith Papers. Robin Jensen, co-volume editor of the first volume of The Joseph Smith Papers, discusses the Revelations and Translations volume of the project.

17: History of Media in the Church - Part 2

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 MST

Episode 17: History of Media in the Church - Part 2. Bill Schaefermeyer, Tim Taggart, Bob Collins, and Quinn Orr discuss the history of media in the Church with host Nathan Wright. They have many dozens of years of collective experience, as well as a knack for storytelling.

16: History of Media in the Church - Part 1

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:00:00 MST

Episode 16: History of Media in the Church - Part 1. Bill Schaefermeyer, Tim Taggart, Bob Collins, and Quinn Orr discuss the history of media in the Church with host Nathan Wright. They have many dozens of years of collective experience, as well as a knack for storytelling.

15: Oral Histories - Melvin Thatcher and Matt Heiss

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 15: Oral Histories. When we speak of personal histories we think most often of autobiographies, journals, or even scrapbooks; but what about cultures where there is no written tradition--how do they record their history? What about videotape or digital recordings? What effect does technology have on our recording of history? Melvin Thatcher of the Family History Department and Matt Heiss of the Church History Department discuss oral history.

14: Family History Center - Sandy Joseph and Merrill White

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:50:00 MST

Episode 14: FamilySearch Center. In 1823, the angel Moroni quoted the prophet Malachi to Joseph Smith: “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (Malachi 4:6; see also D&C 2). The LDS Church is well-known around the world for its genealogical research, and family history has become an important element in the lives of Latter-day Saints. Sandy Joseph, manager of the Family Search Center in the Joseph Smith Building, and Merrill White, manager of Patron Services, discuss the center and their work.

13: Nauvoo - Alex Smith

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 13: Nauvoo. In 1838, the Cherokee Nation was forced from its lands, and the people began their great Trail of Tears through western Illinois. The following year, another displaced people made their way to the area. Having been driven from the state of Missouri, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began to gather amid the remains of the abandoned Fort Des Moines. Today on a horseshoe bend of the Mississippi River sits the quaint Midwestern town of Nauvoo, which rivaled Chicago in size during its heyday. Alex Smith, volume editor with the Joseph Smith Papers Project in the Church History Department, discusses Nauvoo and its history.

12: Liberty Jail - Gary Boatright Jr, Amy Nuffer, and Melanie Hinton

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:00 MST

Episode 12: Liberty Jail. From December 1838 to April 1839 the Prophet Joseph Smith, along with several other Church leaders, was unjustly imprisoned in a rough stone dungeon measuring 14 by 14 feet, with a ceiling just over 6 feet high. Only two small, barred windows allowed light and air into the cell. The six prisoners suffered from the cold winter weather, filthy conditions, hunger, and illness. While in Liberty Jail, the Prophet wrote letters to his family and the Saints. His correspondence contains some of the most poignant revelations found in scripture. Gary Boatright Jr., Amy Nuffer, and Melanie Hinton from the Church History Department discuss Liberty Jail and the events leading up to Joseph Smith’s imprisonment.

11: Journals and Documents - Jeff Anderson

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 11: Journals and Documents. Jeff Anderson of the Church History Library shares several stories that illustrate the value of historical documents. The Church History Library preserves records that relate to the history of the Church, gathering records from the corporate body of the Church, as well as documents from individual Latter-day Saints such as journals, letters, ward newsletters, etc. Because digitizing is labor-intensive and formats can be fleeting, microfilm is used to archive many documents. The interview concludes with recommendations about keeping personal records and information about submissions to the library.

10: History of Music in the Church - Daniel Henderson

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 10: History of Music in the Church. Music has always played an important role in religious worship. Three months after the Church was organized, the Lord, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, instructed Joseph’s wife Emma to make a selection of sacred hymns for the Church. Latter-day Saints therefore have a long tradition of music in their meetings, but few know the history behind their music. Daniel Henderson, doctoral candidate at the New England Conservatory of Music, discusses early Mormon music and how we got the hymnal we have today.

09: The Great Tabernacle - Kirk Henrickson

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 09: The Great Tabernacle. It’s one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Some visitors around the beginning of the 20th century criticized it as “a prodigious tortoise that has lost its way,” but famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright dubbed the Salt Lake Tabernacle “one of the architectural masterpieces of the country and perhaps the world.” Kirk Henrichsen and Randy Dixon from the Church History Department discuss the great Tabernacle on Temple Square and the challenges leading up to its construction.

08: The Mormon Trail - Mel Bashore

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 08: Interview with Mel Bashore about the Mormon Trail. Mel Bashore has been a librarian at the Church History Library since 1975. He researches historic sites and writes interpretive guides for missionaries who work at the sites. His research and publications have focused particularly on the Mormon Trail, the path across the North American plains traveled by Latter-day Saint pioneers.

07: Gadfield Elm Chapel - Emily Utt

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 07: Interview with Emily Utt, Church History Department. Emily has worked in the Church History Department for four years and has spent most of her time researching and writing for Church-owned historic site exhibits. Her most recent project has been researching the Gadfield Elm Chapel. A small stone chapel in the rural countryside of England, the Gadfield Elm Chapel stands as a monument to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the missionary efforts of Wilford Woodruff, Brigham Young, Willard Richards, and others, 1,500 people joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the small towns and villages near the Gadfield Elm Chapel.

06: Harmony, Pennyslvania - Mark Staker

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:00:00 MST

Episode 06: Interview with Mark Staker, curator in the Church History Museum. Mark has been a curator in the Church History Museum for the past 16 years. His recent focus has been on the importance of Harmony, PA, and how it relates to Latter-day Saint history. Emma Hale grew up in Harmony, and there she met Joseph Smith. They buried their first child in Harmony. Joseph received the priesthood authority here and also translated much of the Book of Mormon in Harmony.

05: Eliza R. Snow and Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes - Jill Mulvay Derr

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:00:00 MST

Episode 05: Interview with Jill Mulvay Derr, director of the Church History Research and Development Division in the Church History Department. Jill recently completed a study of Eliza R. Snow and the record she kept of the Relief Society meetings in Nauvoo. At the age of 38 years old, Eliza R. Snow was called as the secretary of the female Relief Society of Nauvoo in 1842. She recorded the proceedings of 19 of the 33 recorded meetings. She created, preserved, and shared this book of records to create meaning and ensure memories of the Relief Society origins.

04: Emma Smith History - Paul Smith

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:00:00 MST

Emma Hale Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith, was born July 10, 1804, in Harmony Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. At the inception of the female Relief Society of Nauvoo in 1842, Emma was appointed its founding president. As a devoted wife, mother, and friend, Emma stood as a respected leader and was acknowledged by the Lord as “an elect lady.” Speaking of Emma (her daughter-in-law), Lucy Mack Smith said, "I have never seen a woman in my life who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship from month to month and from year to year with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience which she ever has done." Joining us today is Paul Smith, longtime researcher and writer of many subjects, chief among those being Emma Hale Smith. He shares great insight into the life of Emma, a woman we should love and respect.

03: Palmyra, New York - Willard and Rebecca Bean

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:00:00 MST

In 1915 newlyweds Willard and Rebecca Bean moved into the Joseph Smith home in Palmyra, New York. Their mission was to last five years but stretched into twenty-five. Overcoming hatred and bigotry, the family became respected, loved, and finally honored as the most versatile family to ever live in Palmyra.

02: Sharon, Vermont - Gary Boatright Jr - Joseph Smith Jr. Birthplace

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:00:00 MST

In the maple-covered hills of Vermont stands a granite monument commemorating the birthplace of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was here on a wintery New England day that the Smith family welcomed another son into the world. Of his own birth the prophet wrote simply, “I was born in the town of Sharon, in the state of Vermont on the twenty-third day of December A.D. 1805 to goodly parents.”

01: Winter Quarters - Jenny Lund

Wed, 13 May 2009 12:00:00 MST

For Latter-day Saints today, the small cemetery on a bluff near what is today Omaha, Nebraska, stands as a symbol of forced exile from Nauvoo, a harrowing journey of suffering and sacrifice for thousands. The principal settlement, Winter Quarters, is remembered mainly for the death that stalked the camp, yet it was also a place for refuge and a nearly ideal setting to prepare for the rest of the pioneers’ journey to the West.