Joseph Smith
Alyssa Grenfell examines nine accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision
Ex-Mormon author Alyssa Grenfell's video (8,398 views in 3 hours, strong 2,735/hour velocity) examines the nine surviving accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision, arguing the version most members know is only one of multiple conflicting narratives. Grenfell explores how the accounts differ in key details—who appeared, what was said, when it happened—and what those discrepancies reveal about the story's evolution. The video, generating 150 comments, represents critical scholarship on Mormonism's founding story reaching a popular audience.
August 14, 2026 at 5:06 PM MT · via YouTube / Alyssa Grenfell
Historian unpacks Joseph Smith estate, Emma's financial survival fight
A new interview at the Latter-day Saint history blog From the Desk features historian Jeffrey Mahas examining the complex financial entanglement of Joseph Smith's personal assets with Church property following his 1844 death. Mahas explains how the Prophet's failure to separate personal from institutional holdings left widow Emma Smith in a desperate struggle for her family's financial survival, a reality often overshadowed by narratives focusing solely on theological disputes with Brigham Young.
August 14, 2026 at 6:09 AM MT · via Times and Seasons · 3 sources
Gilgal Sculpture Garden may gain historical protections as local landmark
Salt Lake City officials are considering designating Gilgal Sculpture Garden as a local landmark, which would provide historical protections for the quirky outdoor art installation featuring Mormon-themed sculptures and inscriptions. ABC4 reports the garden, created by LDS stonemason Thomas Child in the mid-20th century, includes depictions of Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon figures, and biblical scenes.
August 12, 2026 at 7:35 PM MT · via ABC4 Utah
Tribune examines contested narratives of Joseph Smith's polygamy
The Salt Lake Tribune examines competing historical narratives surrounding Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy, exploring how different sources and interpretations shape understanding of this contested aspect of early LDS Church history.
August 12, 2026 at 3:02 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 11 sources
Utah State honors Joseph Smith biographies with 2026 Evans Award
Utah State University presented the 2026 Evans Biography Award to works on Joseph Smith and Logan poet May Swenson, according to Cache Valley Daily. The Evans Awards recognize exceptional biographical writing with Utah connections.
August 11, 2026 at 11:53 PM MT · via Cache Valley Daily · 2 sources
Historian explores possible lost Joseph Smith sermon
Deseret News examines whether a lost Joseph Smith sermon exists, exploring archival records and historical documentation. The article discusses ongoing research into early Church history and the challenges of identifying authentic historical materials.
August 11, 2026 at 11:53 PM MT · via Deseret News