Category: Latter-day Saint History

Learn more about the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including historical findings about Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and more.

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American West Latter-day Saint History

Mountain Meadows Massacre: Was There a Cover Up?

A sketch of a photograph depicting the execution of John D. Lee for his participation in the Mountain Meadows Massacre.

There was a coverup in the aftermath of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. It was perpetrated by local religious leaders and massacre participants, some of whom purposefully deceived Brigham Young about what happened. The cover-up set in motion a confusing series of events with consequences that can still be seen today. The tragic story of the massacre’s aftermath is now available in a new book by Rick Turley and Barbara Jones Brown, published by Oxford University Press. In this interview, they explain the complicated aftermath of the Mountain Meadows Massacre.

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Book excerpts Latter-day Saint History Theology

Approaching Zion: Is Hugh Nibley’s Vision Realistic?

The book cover of Approaching Zion by Hugh Nibley.

Central to Hugh Nibley’s religious convictions was a longing for Zion. He felt out of place in the late-20th-century American society, which he considered profoundly flawed and in need of fundamental rethinking. In fact, in light of Mormonism’s mandate to build Zion, Hugh Nibley believed that Mormons who bought into America’s standard economic liberalism were culpable for forgetting or ignoring this divine obligation.

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Latter-day Saint History

What’s in the Joseph Fielding Smith Biography by Matt Bowman?

Joseph Fielding Smith examining a manuscript in a library.

A new biography of Joseph Fielding Smith examines the prophet’s legacy and enriches understanding of his views on topics such as scriptures, progress, and orthodoxy. In Joseph Fielding Smith: A Mormon Theologian, readers are given insight into the forces that shaped Smith’s worldview and the influence he continues to have on the modern church. Biographer Matthew Bowman discusses the life and legacy of the grand-nephew of Joseph Smith, Jr in this interview.

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Theology

Adam Miller: The Christ Child

A painting of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, conveying the feeling of what Christmas means to Adam S. Miller.

The Christmas story in Luke enables readers to consider the miracle of Christ coming to earth as a baby. A new book by Adam Miller examines the lessons we can learn from the condescension of God and highlights the blessings of seeking to become like little children. In this interview, Miller discusses his book, The Christ Child, and shares what Christmas means to him.

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Joseph Smith Latter-day Saint History

Is This a Photo of Joseph Smith?

Lachlan Mackay argues that the Smith-Larsen daguerreotype is a photograph of Joseph Smith
Lachlan Mackay argues that the Smith-Larsen daguerreotype is a photograph of Joseph Smith. This image has been cropped and the resolution has been reduced. ©2022 Dan Larsen.

A new purported photograph of Joseph Smith seems to pop up every few years. However, all of the candidates have been ruled out—until now. While not the slam dunk some media outlets would have you believe, the Smith/Larsen daguerreotype makes a stronger case than we’ve seen before. In this interview, Lachlan Mackay walks through some of the historical details.

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Latter-day Saint History Polygamy

Who Was Fanny Alger?

Fanny Alger may have been the first polygamous wife of Joseph Smith. Historians debate many details, but the historical record suggests that she had a secret sexual—and possibly marital—relationship with the Prophet. New research suggests that the relationship between Joseph and Fanny may have begun as a father-daughter adoptive sealing. In this interview, Christopher C. Smith discusses the evidence and implications of the new theory.

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20th Century Latter-day Saint History

Who Was Marion D. Hanks?

A headshot of Marion D. Hanks, a Latter-day Saint general authority.

Marion D. Hanks was called as a general authority in 1953 at the age of 31. During his 40 years of service, he cleaned up the mess of “baseball baptisms,” worked with the youth, and trained general authorities like Russell M. Nelson and Jeffrey R. Holland. Hanks also developed a reputation as someone who advocated for Christlike service over institutional statistics. His son, Richard D. Hanks, talks about the first biography of his father in this interview.

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Joseph Smith

“Strange Things” and “Strong Meat”: John Turner’s Journey with Joseph Smith

A collage of Joseph-Smith related images conveying the long journey of biographer John G. Turner.

I am in the final stages of a new Joseph Smith biography for Yale University Press, but two decades ago, I began research on a biography of Brigham Young. I had the time of my life coming to the Church History Library and making my way through what seemed like the endless boxes and microfilm reels that contain Young’s papers.

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Latter-day Saint History

What Was the Paris Art Mission?

A painting of the Garden of Eden by John Hafen as part of the Latter-day Saint Paris Art Mission.
John Hafen, Garden of Eden study, c. 1892, oil on canvas, in Museum of Church History. © By Intellectual Reserve, Inc. Used with permission.

The Paris Art Mission was a program that enabled Latter-day Saint artists to study their craft in Europe. Under the direction of Wilford Woodruff, the First Presidency paid for the artistic training. In exchange, the art missionaries enriched the temple endowment experience by creating temple murals that were both immersive and instructive. This interview with Linda Jones Gibbs discusses the history of the Paris Art Mission.

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Brigham Young Latter-day Saint History

What Is the ‘Six Days in August’ Movie?

A behind the scenes still from the "Six Days in August" movie.

Six Days in August tells the dramatic story that unfolded in Nauvoo after the death of Joseph Smith. The independent feature film brings history to life, depicting events such as the transfiguration of Brigham Young and a climactic confrontation between Sidney Rigdon and the Twelve Apostles. It includes heartwarming performances by actors like John Donovan Wilson and Twyla Wilson—and is now showing in theaters.

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