The writings, teachings, revelations, and events of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Also include stories, perspectives, and insights into the Prophet and the lives of early members of the Church.

This video explains the purpose of temples: to connect us to each other and to God.

Connection through the Nauvoo Temple

Andrew Hedges, volume editor of Journals, Volume 2, discusses correspondence between Emma Smith and Illinois governor Thomas Carlin.

Emma Smith And The Governor Of Illinois

Historian Kate Holbrook describes the formation of the Relief Society in Nauvoo, an event recorded in Journals, Volume 2.

Joseph Smith And The Organizing Of The Relief Society

Historian Alex Smith discusses Joseph Smith’s roles in Nauvoo, described in Journals, Volume 2.

Joseph Smith Chief Justice And Mayor Of Nauvoo

Historian Richard Jensen talks about correspondence between Joseph Smith and Harvey Whitlock recorded in Histories, Volume 1.

Joseph Smith Forgives Harvey Whitlock

Karen Davidson talks about the Joseph Papers and how the histories volume is different from the rest of the series.

Joseph Smith Histories Overview

Dean C. Jessee of the National Advisory Board discusses the revelatory mandate that led to the histories in Histories, Volume 1.

Joseph Smith Knows A Record Shall Be Kept

General editor Ronald K. Esplin discusses the Documents series.

Joseph Smith Papers, Documents Series, Ron Esplin

Gerrit J. Dirkmaat, a volume editor for the Documents series, discusses Documents, Volume 1.

Joseph Smith Papers, Documents Vol. 1, Gerrit Dirkmaat

Matthew C. Godfrey, a volume editor for the Documents series, discusses Documents, Volume 2.

Joseph Smith Papers, Documents Vol. 2, Matthew Godfrey

Constance Lewis of The Church Historian’s Press profiles four early church record keepers whose work is found in Histories, Volume 2.

Joseph Smith Papers: Constance Lewis and Four Church Historians

Karen Davidson, historian on the Joseph Smith Papers, introduces John Corrill, a man who served in the bishopric, was elected to the Missouri legislature, and wrote a history by assignment from Jospeh Smith. However, as the struggles in Missouri inte

Joseph Smith Papers: Karen Davidson and John Corrill

Jeffery Cannon, online editor for the Joseph Smith Papers, says that the website contains documents and transcriptions not included in the printed volumes.

Joseph Smith Papers: Nathan Waite and Nathan Partridge

Historian Richard Jensen talks about the accounts of the Mormon War found in Histories, Volume 2.

Joseph Smith Papers: Richard Jensen and Missouri Mormon War

Karen Davidson, lead volume editor for the Histories series, introduces Joseph Smith’s essay “Latter Day Saints,” as found in Histories, Volume 1.

Joseph Smith Writes an Essay about Latter-day Saints

Volume editor Mark Ashurst-McGee describes the accounts of the First Vision found in Histories, Volume 1.

Joseph Smith and the First Vision

Historian Jordan T. Watkins explores the first attempt to have Joseph Smith extradited from Missouri to Illinois in 1841.

Missouri’s First Attempt to Extradite Joseph Smith

Historians Jordan T. Watkins and Brett D. Dowdle discuss Missouri’s 1842 attempt to extradite Joseph Smith for the attempted murder of Lilburn Boggs. 

Missouri’s Second Attempt to Extradite Joseph Smith

Historian David W. Grua explains how Joseph Smith used habeas corpus to be discharged from arrest and avoid extradition to Missouri. 

Missouri’s Third Attempt to Extradite Joseph Smith

Historian Brett D. Dowdle displays the rarely seen record of baptisms for the dead in the Nauvoo temple and explains its significance to Latter-day Saints. 

Recording Baptisms for the Dead in Nauvoo

Historian Richard Jensen talks about how to use the reference materials found in Journals, Volume 2.

Reference Materials To Learn More About Joseph Smith


Historians Elizabeth A. Kuehn and Matthew C. Godfrey discuss the lasting effects of John C. Bennett’s writing and speaking campaign against Joseph Smith. 


The Rise and Fall of John C. Bennett

Historian Spencer W. McBride explains how Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo used the still-unfinished Nauvoo temple for worship services in 1842 and 1843.

Worship Services in the Unfinished Nauvoo Temple

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