Joseph Smith
Historians debunk Carthage Jail conspiracy theories at FAIR Conference
Brian Stutzman and Dan Peterson discussed Joseph Smith's 1844 death at Carthage Jail and addressed conspiracy theories about the martyrdom in a backstage conversation at the FAIR Conference, published by FAIR.
September 21, 2026 at 3:02 PM MT · via FAIR
Historian traces Joseph Smith's temple concept from Bible to Independence
Historian John Hamer, in a conversation published by Gospel Tangents and discussed on Wheat and Tares, explores the origins of Joseph Smith's temple concept. Hamer's analysis traces influences from biblical sources to a domed assembly hall planned for Independence, Missouri, and includes discussion of a temple called for by revelation but never constructed.
September 21, 2026 at 3:02 PM MT · via Wheat and Tares
Did Joseph Smith's brother learn about Native American seer stones at Dartmouth?
A Wheat and Tares post explores whether the roots of the Book of Mormon's narrative trace back to Hyrum Smith's education at Dartmouth's Moor's Indian Charity School, where he studied alongside Haudenosaunee students. The article asks whether Native American traditions about seer stones influenced Joseph Smith's later use of them.
September 19, 2026 at 8:03 PM MT · via Wheat and Tares
Documentary claims to identify Joseph Smith in newly discovered daguerreotype
A new documentary claims to have identified Joseph Smith in a previously unknown daguerreotype photograph, which would be the first authenticated photographic image of the Latter-day Saint founder. Smith died in 1844, during the early years of photography, and no confirmed photograph of him has ever been found—leaving artists' renderings as the only visual representations. The documentary presents forensic analysis and historical evidence supporting the identification, though the claim has not yet been independently verified by Mormon history scholars. If authenticated, the image would be among the most significant artifacts in Latter-day Saint history.
September 19, 2026 at 6:03 PM MT · via YouTube · 3 sources
Historian: Joseph Smith may have found objects beyond gold plates
Historian Don Bradley argues in a YouTube interview that Joseph Smith may have found objects beyond the gold plates traditionally described in Latter-day Saint history. Bradley examines the artifacts associated with the Book of Mormon's coming forth and suggests the historical record has been misunderstood.
September 18, 2026 at 5:03 PM MT · via YouTube / Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones · 3 sources
Historian examines disputed evidence of Joseph Smith's relationship with Fanny Alger
Historian Benjamin Park examines the surviving historical evidence about Joseph Smith's relationship with Fanny Alger in a new YouTube video, questioning whether it constituted plural marriage, an affair, or something less certain. The 1,707-view video uploaded today represents a deep dive into one of early Mormon history's most disputed episodes.
September 18, 2026 at 1:03 PM MT · via YouTube / Benjamin Park, Historian · 4 sources
Joseph Smith's personal vs. theological motives for polygamy debated in new video
A YouTube video from Analyzing Mormonism argues that Joseph Smith may have claimed polygamy was being restored for theological reasons while living it for personal ones. The 3,572-view video responds to commentary from another creator, focusing on Smith's marriages to women who were already married to other men.
September 18, 2026 at 1:03 PM MT · via YouTube / Analyzing Mormonism · 3 sources
Did Porter Rockwell try to kill Missouri Governor Boggs?
The Church History Matters podcast examines whether Porter Rockwell — Joseph Smith's bodyguard and a legendary figure in Mormon history — attempted to assassinate Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs in 1842. The video episode drew 16,745 views in 33 hours.
September 16, 2026 at 3:03 PM MT · via YouTube / Church History Matters Podcast
'Brother Joseph Again' art project restores visual image of Joseph Smith
An art project titled "Brother Joseph Again" aims to restore and reimagine the visual representation of Joseph Smith, according to the BYU Daily Universe. The project addresses how the LDS Church founder has been depicted in paintings, sculptures, and media over nearly two centuries.
September 15, 2026 at 3:02 PM MT · via BYU Daily Universe
Blog: Joseph Smith's brother studied alongside Haudenosaunee at Dartmouth
A Wheat and Tares blog post explores Hyrum Smith's education at Dartmouth's Moor's Indian Charity School, where he studied alongside Native American students from the Haudenosaunee confederation. The author asks whether exposure to Native American religious practices—including the use of seer stones by Seneca prophet Handsome Lake—could have influenced the Book of Mormon's narrative and Joseph Smith's translation methods. The post notes that Moor's Charity School was founded specifically to educate Native students alongside colonists, and that Handsome Lake's teachings gained prominence during the same period Hyrum attended. The piece is speculative but draws on documented historical connections.
September 14, 2026 at 2:02 AM MT · via Wheat and Tares
Brigham Young's childhood abuse examined in Mormon Stories series
Brigham Young, the second president of the LDS Church, was physically and verbally abused by his father during his childhood, according to a discussion between John Dehlin and historian Dr. John Turner on Mormon Stories Podcast.
September 9, 2026 at 3:13 AM MT · via YouTube / Mormon Stories Podcast
DNA researcher explores Native American connections to Book of Mormon claims
Wheat and Tares features Thomas Murphy, whose DNA research challenged traditional Book of Mormon claims about Native American origins and nearly cost him his Church membership two decades ago. The piece asks whether rigorous genetic science and religious scripture can coexist.
September 7, 2026 at 3:02 PM MT · via Wheat and Tares · 3 sources