Joseph and Emma Smith Home

The Joseph and Emma Smith Home in Kirtland, Ohio, was a place of peace, safety, and revelation for the Smith family during the four years that they made their home here. While living in this home, Joseph translated the Book of Abraham, organized many important priesthood quorums—including the first high council and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—and frequently met with Church members.. It was here that Emma fulfilled her divine mandate to “make a selection of sacred hymns” for the Church (see Doctrine and Covenants 25:11).

On the day that Joseph and Emma Smith arrived in Kirtland, Joseph Smith received a revelation which told the Saints that it was “meet that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., should have a house built, in which to live and translate” (Doctrine and Covenants 41:7). In late 1833, after more than two years in the area, Joseph and Emma finally moved—with three young children—into their home, which had been built with the help of family, friends, and Church members. Although they only lived in the home for just over four years, they lived here longer than they lived in any other home they shared as a married couple. The home became a place of security where Emma would run a household, give birth to another child, and operate a dairy business. In addition to her housekeeping duties, Emma compiled a book of sacred hymns here too.

In addition to translating as the Lord had directed, Joseph also performed other prophetic duties. In this home, he received revelations, met in council with Church leaders, visited with the Saints, and expanded the organization of the Church. From this home, he oversaw the printing of the first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants and the second edition of the Book of Mormon and dictated one early account of the First Vision. In this home, Joseph Smith dictated the revelation which is now Doctrine and Doctrine and Covenants 101 which led to the formation of Zion’s Camp. Later, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Quorums of the Seventy were organized while Joseph lived here. Major portions of the Book of Abraham were also translated during Joseph and Emma’s time in this home.

Joseph and Emma were welcoming people who often opened their home to boarders. These boarders usually paid for their stay or worked for the family. Eliza R. Snow boarded with the Smiths twice in this home and served as a teacher to the local Smith children and to several young women in the area. Family members also stayed with the Smiths, including Joseph’s parents, who lived there for a year while their home was being built. Joseph’s paternal grandmother, Mary Duty Smith, visited the family in this home as well.

Today the Joseph and Emma Smith Home has been restored in Kirtland, Ohio, and is open for public tours.

360° Walkthrough

What to Expect

The Joseph and Emma Smith home is open for missionary-guided tours that last about 25 or 30 minutes. Seating is available throughout the tour.