History Revisited

Celebrate Juneteenth by searching FamilySearch’s Freedmen’s Bureau records
By Sydney Walker
Juneteenth 2020 marks five years since FamilySearch announced the beginning of the Freedmen's Bureau records project. Watch this video of Thom Reed of FamilySearch explaining the project and other resources for researching African heritage.
On this Juneteenth, watch two musical events celebrating African American history
By Eliza Smith-Driggs
In celebration of Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, watch two 2018 Church musical events celebrating black people everywhere.
‘Saints’ today: What would early pioneers say or do if facing the COVID-19 pandemic?
By Eliza Smith-Driggs
The Church News spoke with writers of "Saints, Volume 2" about how pioneers' perseverance can inspire today's Saints to have hope during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gerry Avant: What these 2 General Authorities learned about being ‘qualified’ to serve
By Gerry Avant
Church News senior contributing editor Gerry Avant writes about how Elder Gerald E. Melchin and Elder Lloyd P. George acted in faith to accept callings when they felt unqualified.
Gerry Avant: President Benson’s visit to the Sacred Grove
By Gerry Avant
I consider myself fortunate to be among the tens of thousands who have been able to walk in the Sacred Grove more than once. I went to the grove the first time to cover a visit by President Ezra Taft Benson.
Read 17 quotes on the First Vision from modern prophets
By Grace Carter
Here are statements on the First Vision from each of the 17 latter-day Church presidents as members of the Church prepare for a historic general conference commemorating the bicentennial of the Restoration this weekend.
How Doctrine and Covenants 4 shows the importance of principles over structure in the ongoing Restoration of the Church
By Sydney Walker
Missionary work — or “ministering to all,” as Elder Uchtdorf said — was and continues to be one of the key foundational principles of the gospel. The structure of the Church supports this principle.
What President Oaks has learned from 50 years of writing about the Prophet Joseph Smith
By Sydney Walker
During the BYU Church History Symposium, President Dallin H. Oaks discussed what he has learned about the Prophet Joseph Smith after spending decades researching about him.
Gerry Avant: Want a happy and fulfilling life? Try these guidelines from Elder George I. Cannon
By Gerry Avant
After he was called to be a General Authority Seventy in 1986, Elder George I. Cannon shared his "Guidelines for a Fulfilling and Happy Life from One Who Has Been There," with Gerry Avant of the Church News.
Coping with loneliness: Sheri Dew highlights 5 teachings and revelations from Joseph Smith
By Sydney Walker
Everything Joseph Smith taught and all he revealed can help Heavenly Father's children deal with loneliness, Sheri Dew said at the BYU Church History Symposium on Thursday afternoon.
The story behind the Mexico MTC: How the Benemérito private school with 90-acre campus became one of the busiest MTCs
By Scott Taylor
An in-depth look — with several photo galleries — at the Mexico Missionary Training Center, including its Benemérito roots, expansion to its 90-acre campus, rise to one of the busiest MTCs and reason for the closure of smaller MTCs.
‘Saints, Volume 2’ features women’s perspectives, native voices, context on controversial topics
By Sydney Walker
"Saints, Volume 2, No Unhallowed Hand, 1846-1893" is now available in stores and online. Here's what writers and editors of "Saints" hope readers gain from the new volume.
Church Historian and Recorder speaks on significance of First Vision at Huntington Library conference
By Grace Carter
Drawing on its vast catalog of Church history materials, the Huntington hosted “The First Vision of Joseph Smith, Jr.: 200 Years On” — a two-day conference commemorating the bicentennial of Joseph Smith’s First Vision.