Category: Latter-day Saint History

The Salamander Letter (also called the “White Salamander Letter”) was a Mark Hofmann forgery that led to chaos and murder in 1980s Utah. Purportedly written by Martin Harris, it detailed Joseph Smith receiving the gold plates in New York from a white salamander rather than the Angel Moroni. Many historians believed in the document’s authenticity and tried to place it in the context of its times. The Salamander Letter was purchased by Steven Christensen (later killed by a Hofmann bomb), who ultimately donated it to the Church.

Wilford Woodruff played a pivotal role in shaping Latter-day Saint temple doctrine, guiding the development of ordinances and family-sealing practices that continue to define modern worship. Across decades of ministry, he navigated the transition from early adoption practices to multigenerational sealing, carefully recording revelations and experiences that reveal how temple work unfolded “line upon line.” His leadership in St. George and insights into redeeming the dead illustrate the evolving nature of temple practice in the 19th century. In this interview, Jennifer Mackley reflects on Woodruff’s contributions and the historical context that shaped his enduring influence.

Latter-day Saint rebaptism was practiced from the time of Joseph Smith until the 1910s. Members of the church would often be baptized multiple times, frequently to commemorate significant events or to recommit to a life of discipleship during the Mormon Reformation. In this interview, historians Jonathan Stapley and David Grua explain more about the unique practice.