Joseph Smith
Mormon Discussion examines Joseph Smith's Zelph story from Zion's Camp
Mormon Discussion Inc. posted a video examining the Zelph incident from Joseph Smith's 1834 Zion's Camp march, drawing 5,001 views in 35 hours. The video explores Smith's claimed revelation about a skeleton found in an Illinois burial mound, which he identified as a "white Lamanite" warrior named Zelph.
August 21, 2026 at 7:07 AM MT · via YouTube / Mormon Discussion Inc.
The Mormon sect that had their own plates: examining the Strangites
The "All Those In Favor" YouTube channel examines the Strangite branch of Mormonism, a splinter group that claimed to possess their own set of ancient metal plates translated by James Strang after Joseph Smith's death. The video, which has drawn over 5,600 views in 38 hours, explores how the Strangites' claim to gold plates affects belief in Joseph Smith's translated plates. The channel acknowledges the work of another creator who produced a "fantastic and charitable" account of Strangite history.
August 19, 2026 at 2:07 AM MT · via YouTube / All Those In Favor
1841 letter from Sarah Crooks to Brigham Young examined for implications
StillMormon examines a March 14, 1841 letter from Sarah Crooks to Brigham Young in a video exploring what the correspondence might reveal about early Mormon leadership relationships.
August 18, 2026 at 3:03 PM MT · via YouTube / StillMormon
Historians examine Nauvoo's lost restoration sites in documentary video
The Stick of Joseph channel released a 743-views-per-hour documentary featuring Mike Day and Brian Christensen exploring historical sites in Nauvoo connected to early LDS Church history. The video, which has drawn 9,705 views and 78 comments in 13 hours, examines lesser-known restoration-era locations and promotes a Nauvoo Discovery Program scholarship.
August 17, 2026 at 4:01 AM MT · via YouTube / The Stick of Joseph
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