Introduction to New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites
Places of historical significance to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are found in New York and Pennsylvania.
“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me…When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”
– Joseph Smith
On a spring day in 1820, fourteen-year-old Joseph Smith Jr. went out to pray in the woods near his home in Palmyra, New York. As an answer to his prayer, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith and spoke to him. This answer changed Joseph’s life and set him on a path to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Artistic depiction of the First Vision.
Three years later, an angel appeared to Joseph in the upstairs room of his family’s log home . The angel identified himself as Moroni, a prophet-historian who told Joseph about an ancient record that contained the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Moroni revealed the location to Joseph, but it would be four years before Joseph would be ready to receive it.
Upstairs bedroom in Joseph’s Boyhood Home.
During that time, Joseph moved to Pennsylvania and spent some time working for a man named Josiah Stowell . While he was there, he met and married Emma Hale Smith . After their marriage, Joseph was permitted to obtain the record from the angel Moroni. He traveled to the Hill Cumorah to retrieve them and began the work of translation. A schoolteacher named Oliver Cowdrey heard of the project and traveled to meet Joseph Smith hoping to serve as Joseph’s scribe. He believed in the work Joseph was doing, and Oliver became a scribe for Joseph as he translated the Book of Mormon . The two proceeded to translate at Joseph and Emma’s home in Harmony, Pennsylvania. It was also during this time that more heavenly messengers appeared and restored the priesthood, God’s power and authority, to the earth. Joseph and Oliver then baptized each other in the Susquehanna River .
The Joseph and Emma Smith Home at the Priesthood Restoration Site.
As word spread of this ‘gold bible’ Joseph began to face persecution which slowed down the translation process. Joseph and Oliver decided to move the work of translation to Fayette, New York at the Whitmer Farm . The Whitmer family believed that Joseph was restoring the gospel of Jesus Christ and had offered their help. At the Whitmer Farm, Joseph and Oliver were able to complete the translation of the Book of Mormon.
Actors portraying the translation of the Book of Mormon.
Joseph Smith then sought out someone to publish the book. A willing printer named Egbert B. Grandin was found in Palmyra, NY. Grandin agreed to typeset, print, and bind 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon. With financial support from Martin Harris mortgaging his farm , the Book of Mormon became a reality and was first advertised for sale at Grandin’s store .
Actors portraying the printing of the Book of Mormon.
As the Book of Mormon spread more people became interested in the teachings of the restored gospel. On April 6, 1830, approximately fifty people gathered at the Whitmer’s log home and the restored Church of Jesus Christ was officially organized .
A reconstructed log home at the Whitmer Farm.
Today the sites where these historical events took place have been preserved. Visitors are welcome to experience these places and learn about the things that happened there in person or online. The historic sites in New York and Pennsylvania tell a story of faith, perseverance, and hope. These places can inspire people to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ.