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History Revisited

Elvis Presley's copy of the Book of Mormon ain't nothin' but a forgery, Church history experts say
A copy of the Book of Mormon preserved in the historical collections of the Church for 30 years that was believed to be signed by Elvis Presley is a forgery.
This 1972 file photo shows Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, during a performance. 
The 'electric' feeling when President Hinckley promised Fiji a temple
By Gerry Avant
Standing before some 5,000 Latter-day Saints in Fiji on an October afternoon in 1997, President Gordon B. Hinckley asked if they would like to see a temple built in the Pacific Island nation.
President Gordon B. Hinckley and his wife, Sister Marjorie P. Hinckley, enter National Stadium in Suva, Fiji, on Oct. 15, 1997. They are escorted by one of Fiji's first members of the Church, Joseph Sokia. Fiji was one of eight islands of the Pacific that President Hinckley visited on a week-long tour.
Music and the Spoken Word: Celebrating 100 years since the end of World War I
On the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, we remember not just those who fought but what they fought for.
In this March 24, 2017 file photo, a view of rows of crosses of American World War I soldiers at the Meuse-Argonne American cemetery in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon. It was America's largest and deadliest battle ever, with 26,000 U.S. soldiers killed and tens of thousands wounded. A hundred years ago, the Meuse-Argonne offensive contributed to bring an end to of World War 1.
The surprising connection between Napoleon Bonaparte, Egypt and the newest Joseph Smith Papers volume
By Trent Toone
If you ask Robin Jensen, there's one major thing that sets Joseph Smith apart from other 19th century historical figures.
This facsimile from the Book of Abraham is among the images found in "Revelations and Translations: Vol. 4" of the Joseph Smith Papers.
Egypt, papyri and manuscripts all part of the newest Joseph Smith Papers
By Scott Taylor
Volume 4 of the Joseph Smith Papers Project’s "Revelations and Translations" series — which focuses on the Book of Abraham and related documents — has been published and officially released Monday, Nov. 5.
This printing plate was used for publishing a facsimile from the Book of Abraham in the Times and Seasons in 1842. The image is among many found in "Revelations and Translations: Vol. 4" of the Joseph Smith Papers.
From the Vault: The 2 great principles of the gospel, according to Elder Marion D. Hanks
By Aubrey Eyre
On Sunday Oct. 4, 1992, Elder Hanks addressed the congregation of the Church over the pulpit at general conference and spoke of the nature of a God who is loves His children and is with them in in all things.
Marion D. Hanks speaks during the Sunday morning session of general conference on Sunday, Oct. 4, 1992.
Here's a snapshot of what it was like being friends with Sister Hinckley
By Gerry Avant
On assignments in the United States and several other countries, I had the opportunity to develop a special friendship with Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley.
Sister Marjorie P. Hinckley, center, with a daughter, Kathleen H. Barnes (now Walker), at the dedication of the Accra Ghana Temple on Jan. 11, 2004, followed by President Gordon B. Hinckley and then-Elder Russell M. Nelson. Sister Hinckley missed April 2004 general conference due to illness and passed away two days later.
From the Vault: Sister Elaine S. Dalton's 'Arise and Shine Forth'
By Danielle Christensen
Modesty has to do with more than dress and appearance, said Sister Elaine S. Dalton during her 2004 BYU Women’s Conference address. It is also includes actions, speech, thoughts, desires and a condition of the heart.
Elaine Dalton, Young Women general president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah.
What general conference looked like over 100 years ago and how it's changed
By Valerie Johnson
What did general conference look like 50 years ago? 100 years ago? This semiannual tradition of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has seen many changes over the years ever since a group of 27 Church members gathered in June of 1830.
Crowds gather for General Conference in April of 1911. Note the sign above the entrance to Temple Square "Beware of Pickpockets" The old Deseret News building is seen across the street. Deseret News Archives
A look back at the vital role of women's voices during general conference
By Marianne Holman Prescott
With the general women’s session of conference to be held on the evening of Oct. 6 during the former priesthood session spot, women around the world are looking forward to gathering together to hear from their auxiliary leaders.
A painting of Lucy Mack Smith by Sutcliffe Maudsley was on display at the Church History Library for an exhibit featuring artifacts and documents from Relief Society History in the days leading up to and during general conference in September and October 2001.
Elder Renlund and Elder Cook on why 'Saints' is for you
By Trent Toone
Standing near a display of foreign-language copies of the new history book, "Saints: The Standard of Truth," two members of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints responded to the question of "why?"
Elder Dale G. Renlund and Elder Quentin L. Cook, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, look over different language editions of "Saints: The Standard of Truth," in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018.
How 'Jane and Emma' film puts racial tensions, Church history in the spotlight like never before
By Aubrey Eyre
The new "Jane and Emma" movie portrays one of the most powerful and unexpected friendships in Church history.
Actresses Danielle Deadwyler who plays Jane Manning James and Emily Goss who plays Emma Smith in "Jane and Emma."
From the Vault: Bishop J. Richard Clarke's 'The Value of Work'
By Aubrey Eyre
“Work is a blessing from God,” Bishop J. Richard Clarke said as he shared stories and examples of the importance of hard work in God’s eternal plan for progression in his April 1982 general conference address.
Screenshot from LDS.org of Bishop J. Richard Clarke from general conference in April 1982.
The scripture Elder Bednar was inspired to share on 9/11 with BYU-Idaho students
By Valerie Johnson
Very little can be said about the terrorist attacks on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, that hasn’t already been said. Thousands of people were killed as millions of people across the country and around the world watched in horror as the attacks unfolded.
BYU-Idaho President Bednar talks about the changes that have taken place at the BYU-Idaho campus. He was president of the university from 1997 until his October 2004 call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
The unforgettable responses of President Hinckley, President Monson and others after 9/11
By Gerry Avant
Prophet's presence at a National Day of Prayer service after terrorist attacks on 9/11 brought an instant sense of calm, a visible reminder that the Lord is ever mindful of His children.
Meier & Frank window on Main Street in downtown Salt Lake City on Sept. 14, 2001, honors the American victims in the New York terrorist attack.
Why Church history isn't something to be afraid of, according to Apostle and historians
By Sarah Jane Weaver
With the historic Nauvoo Illinois Temple as a backdrop, Elder Quentin L. Cook promised young adult Latter-day Saints that studying the history of the Church will deepen their faith and their desire to live the gospel more fully.
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addresses young adults during a worldwide "Face to Face" broadcast focusing on the history of the Church. Also participating in the Sept. 9, 2018, event in Nauvoo, Illinois, were Church historians Kate Holbrook and Matt Grow.
What Elder Cook and historians said about polygamy, seer stones and Church transparency during Nauvoo Face to Face
By Sarah Jane Weaver
Joined by Church historians Kate Holbrook and Matt Grow in a worldwide “Face to Face” broadcast from Nauvoo, Illinois, Elder Quentin L. Cook answered significant questions from young adults about Church history on Sunday, Sept. 9.
A musical number is performed before Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addresses young adults during a worldwide "Face to Face" broadcast on Sept, 9, 2018, focusing on the history of the Church. Also participating were Church historians Kate Holbrook and Matt Grow.
Do you have a Nauvoo ancestor? New FamilySearch campaign can connect you to Church history
By Scott Taylor
You could be among 1.1 million Latter-day Saints who will receive an email announcing My Nauvoo Ancestor Story, a new FamilySearch discovery experience that identifies up to 20 of your ancestors who resided in the early Latter-day Saint settlement.
Discover the unique burial site of Brigham Young and 10 facts from his life 141 years after his death
By Aubrey Eyre
In remembrance of his death on Aug. 29, 1877, here are 10 facts about the second prophet of the Church.
The marker for the "Grave of Brigham Young" in Salt Lake City.
What 9 Church leaders have said about the miraculous impact of the Bible
By Valerie Johnson
"You people can't be Christian because you don't believe in the Bible. You've got your own book." How many have heard something similar from someone who is not a member of the Church?
An image from the Church's Bible video series depicts Christ teaching a group of people.
From the Vault: Sister Holland advises 'be your own best friend' not 'your own worst enemy'
By Rachel Sterzer
As students’ self-proclaimed “mother-away-from-home,” Sister Patricia Holland offered the students on the BYU campus some of her best motherly advice.
Sister Patricia Holland speaks during a meeting at the Hyde Park Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in London on Thursday, April 12, 2018.
An inside look at President Monson's quiet moments of ministry
By Gerry Avant
President Thomas S. Monson loved to be among members of the Church. He seemed to be “at home” wherever he went. This was especially true when he went to Germany,
President Thomas S. Monson, front left, and Elder Dieter F. Uchtforf, at right, Siegfried Sacher and Frank Apel walk toward the grave of Elder Joseph A. Ott in Dresden, Germany, Aug. 26, 1995.
Relief Society got its start when 2 pioneer women pitched in to help with the Nauvoo temple. Here's how they made a difference
Read an excerpt from the new narrative, four-volume history of the Church titled "Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days" about the organization of the Relief Society.
Minute record of the organization of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, depicted here in painting by Nadine Barton, is displayed in Foundations of Faith exhibit at Church History Library.
Primary turns 140 years old this August. What has changed?
By Marianne Holman Prescott
The Primary organization celebrates its 140th year this August. Hear what the Primary general presidency has to say about the past and future of the children's organization.
Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, enjoys a tender moment with a few of the Primary Choir children.
New Church book 'The Standard of Truth' covers controversial topics
The first volume in the series, titled The Standard of Truth, will be available on Sept. 4 in 14 languages digitally and in print in English. Print editions in other languages will follow before the end of the year.
The first volume in the new history of the Church series, titled The Standard of Truth, will be available on Sept. 4, 2018, in 14 languages digitally and in print in English. Print editions in other languages will follow before the end of the year.
Do you think family history is boring? Catch the genealogical bug with these 7 stories
By Kaitlyn Bancroft
You may have heard about the 63.7 million indexed names added to FamilySearch this week. In light of the announcement, here’s a look at genealogy across the decades.
Records of family births, deaths and marriages are found inside the William W. Phelps' Bible. Church members have worked with many types of records across decades of family history work.
91 years ago today, a prophet was born: President Monson's life through the decades
By Aubrey Eyre
A snapshot of the nine decades President Thomas S. Monson spent in service to the Lord and his fellow men.
President Thomas S. Monson and President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, arrive at the cultural celebration held June 12, 2010, the evening before the dedication of the Cebu City Philippines Temple.
More than 7,000 pages of Wilford Woodruff's records now available online
By Danielle Christensen
Wilford Woodruff’s journals are now available online through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Church History Library.
Wilford Woodruff (1807-1898) was the fourth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
From a bakery to a prison, a prophet retraces the steps of Joseph Smith
By Gerry Avant
President Spencer W. Kimball retraced some of Joseph Smith's footsteps in 1978. He walked some of the streets in Nauvoo, Illinois, and spent contemplative moments at the jail in Carthage where Joseph and his brother, Hyrum, were martyred.
President Spencer W. Kimball and Sister Camilla Eyring Kimball are shown on June 29, 1978, by the well near where Joseph Smith's lifeless body fell from an upstairs window in Carthage Jail on June 27, 1844. Sister Kimball dressed in period costume on the occasion of the dedication of the Relief Society Monument to Women in Nauvoo, Illinois.
Saints excerpt: For this pastor, accepting the Book of Mormon meant losing his job
By Rachel Sterzer
Read an excerpt from the new narrative, four-volume history of the Church titled "Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" about the conversion of Sidney and Phebe Rigdon.
Sidney Rigdon scribed for Joseph Smith on his translation of the Bible.
Eliza R. Snow: Wife, sister and aunt
By R. Scott Lloyd
Eliza R. Snow, Mormon pioneer poet, hymn text writer and leader of women's Church auxiliary organizations, seems almost bigger than life because of her lasting impact on LDS history and culture.
Eliza R. Snow as wife, sister, aunt was the subject of lecture by Jill Mulvay Derr, senior research historian at Church History Department, given Sept. 9 at the Church History Library, part of the Women's History Lecture Series.
From the Vault: Elder L. Tom Perry's 'Preparing Today for a Better Tomorrow'
By Valerie Johnson
In a LDS Business College devotional held on Oct. 15, 1996, Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke on the theme that the college had adopted that year: "Preparing Today for a Better Tomorrow."
Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Stumped by your family tree? The 63.7 million indexed names just added to FamilySearch might help
By Sarah Jane Weaver
The entire collection of Ellis Island New York Passenger Arrival Lists from 1820 to 1957 are now available online, thanks to a joint project between FamilySearch and The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.
Historic photograph of Ellis Island. FamilySearch and The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. announced Aug. 14, 2018, the entire collection of Ellis Island New York Passenger Arrival Lists from 1820 to 1957 are available online on both websites.
11 testimonies from prophets about the power of the Book of Mormon
By Valerie Johnson
From the Prophet Joseph Smith to President Russell M. Nelson, presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have testified of and extolled the divinity of the Book of Mormon.
This Arnold Friberg painting depicts the Book of Mormon scene of the resurrected Jesus Christ descending from the sky as he appears on the American continent.
Brush up on your Church history with this new narrative
While the new history of the Church, Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, tells the story of ordinary men and women, it also “provides new detail and insight into better-known people and events from Church history...
Greg Newbold image of Nauvoo will be featured on the cover of volume 1 of new Church history, Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days.
Newly published Joseph Smith Papers are a 'treasure trove of information' online
By Trent Toone
Two years after the Joseph Smith Papers first published the Council of Fifty minutes in print, the minutes are now available online.
The Joseph Smith Papers feature the minutes from the Council of Fifty meetings held in Nauvoo, Illinois. The minutes are contained in three volumes that have been in the custody of the Office of the First Presidency since the 1880s, when the Council of Fifty was disbanded, and were transferred to the Church History Department in 2010.
A glimpse of what President Monson was like during his more casual moments
By Gerry Avant
One afternoon in June of 1985, I visited President and Sister Thomas S. Monson in their home. That visit gave me a glimpse of his life "after hours," when he exchanged his suit and tie for casual clothes to relax at home.
During an interview for a Church News article for the week beginning June 23, 1985, President Thomas S. Monson showed off a couple of his Birmingham roller pigeons.
On this day in 1844: Brigham Young led the first gathering of what is now known as the Solemn Assembly
By Aubrey Eyre
On this day, in 1844, then-Elder Brigham Young stood before a gathering of Saints in Nauvoo and conducted the first meeting of what is now known as the Solemn Assembly.
Painted portrait of Brigham Young.
Recognize the monk with the sunglasses? Yes, it's Martin Luther
By Jason Swensen
Ongoing exhibition examines life and writings of iconic 16th century religious leaders with a decidedly modern lens.
The playful BYU exhibition "Martin Luther Media Star" is on display at the Church-owned school's Harold B. Lee Library.
From the Vault: Camilla E. Kimball's 'The Hope of Tomorrow'
By Danielle Christensen
On Sept. 6, 1980, Camilla Eyring Kimball, wife of President Spencer W. Kimball, gave a devotional to students of Brigham Young University entitled “The Hope of Tomorrow.”
Sister Camila Eyring Kimball gives one of four addresses she delivered during a three-day visit in Tennessee July 25-27, 1975.
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