Season 1

2009 · 52 episodes

The Joseph Smith Papers Project illuminates the Prophet Joseph and the Restoration. Larry H. Miller and KJZZ Television partnered with the Church History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a variety of prominent scholars to discuss the project, the documents, and the life and work of Joseph Smith.

1OverviewThe papers include the earliest of the foundational documents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The papers also provide insights from Joseph through his correspondence, journals, discourses, and business dealings.
2Joseph's RootsHistorians set the stage for Joseph Smith Jr.'s early years in New Hampshire and Vermont.
3Joseph's AmericaReview the remarkable parallels between a young nation and its newest religion as they each struggled to develop their identity and destiny.
4PalmyraPalmyra is where young Joseph Smith and his family found themselves scraping to buy a farm, building a home, and then losing it all.
5First Vision BeginningsHear the four versions of the First Vision given by the Prophet.
6Four AccountsStudy Joseph's four accounts of the First Vision and the context that helps clarify the variations.
7The Coming Forth of the Book of MormonReview the remarkable relationship between Joseph and the angel Moroni.
8HarmonyHarmony is a story of miracles that would become the foundation for the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter-days.
9PriesthoodReview the remarkable events surrounding the restoration of the priesthood and pinpoint the appearance of the three ancient apostles.
10The Papers People--Part 1Meet five of the scholars whose work is central to compiling a complete and accurate documentary of Joseph Smith.
11The Papers People--Part 2Survey the complete process of gathering, scrutinizing, and organizing documents for publication.
12The Translation of the Book of MormonExplore portions of the original manuscripts of the Book of Mormon and study the remarkable principles and questions that continue to surface.
13Printing the Book of MormonReview the time-consuming process of typesetting a 600-page book with nineteenth-century equipment.
14A Mother's AccountExamine the origin, motivation, and accuracy of "The History of the Prophet Joseph Smith" by Lucy Mack Smith.
15History of a HistoryDean Jesse discusses Joseph's anxiety over keeping the history of a work that would change human events.
16Joseph's JournalsExplore the Prophet's personal journals to learn of his shortcomings, interpersonal conflicts, and challenges in leading the Saints into the future.
17Oliver's StoryStudy the life of Oliver Cowdery and witness his participation in the events of the Restoration, his apostasy, and his powerful closing testimony.
18They Met the ProphetEnjoy vibrant descriptions from those who met the Prophet. Whether one believed him or not, meeting Joseph Smith always left a deep impression.
19Saving Joseph's LegLearn how Joseph and his family lived within a few miles of the only man alive who could have saved Joseph's life.
20Joseph's New Translation--Part 1Learn the history of Joseph's new translation of the Bible. Despite its significance, the manuscript was lost to the Church for over a century.
21Joseph's New Translation--Part 2Observe in detail the changes that Joseph made to restore the "plain and precious" meanings of the Bible.
22The Letters of Joseph and EmmaChurch history scholars review the papers that may have meant more to Joseph than any others: the letters between the Prophet and his wife.
23Joseph Smith the RadicalThe Prophet's claim to direct revelation was extremely radical. Nevertheless, the revelation he received restored doctrine and structured the Church.
24April 6, 1830Learn about the events surrounding the organization of the Church, including why six men were to become the founding fathers of Mormonism.
25Kirtland BeginningsScholars discuss the years in Kirtland that were filled with miracles, divine revelation, and instruction.
26Visions and Blessings, Tar and FeathersRevisit the night when Joseph was tarred and feathered. Then, explore the difficulties and joys the Saints faced in their efforts to build a temple.
27The Kirtland Temple: An Endowment of PowerExamine the few yet remarkable days in Kirtland that culminated with the appearance of the Savior.
28ZionExamine the idea of Zion and the role mobs and Mormons alike played in its failure. It was the greatest city that never came to be.
29Zion's CampTravel through four states with 200 men to learn that the mission of Zion's Camp was more about the lessons of a journey than about the destination.
30Crisis in KirtlandRecount the dark days of Kirtland: financial failure, a riot in the temple, betrayal, and mutiny.
31Joseph Smith and the Law--Part 1Hundreds of newly discovered legal documents paint a new impression of the litigious environment surrounding the Mormon leader.
32Joseph Smith and the Law--Part 2Study the lawsuits Joseph faced throughout his life from his first encounter with the law at age 13 to the case of the Kirtland Safety Society.
33The Mormon WarHistorians recount the pivotal days that would eventually lead to expulsion from Missouri, captivity at Liberty, and a trek out West
34Liberty JailFor Joseph Smith, Liberty Jail provided an experience that would be described as the most important leadership training the Prophet would receive.
35Suffering and SalvationaWith an extermination order in effect, thousands of destitute Saints huddled together in desperate circumstances in Missouri. The exodus begins.
36The Mission of the Twelve to EnglandDetail the experience that transformed a group of faithful young men into a quorum who had great influence in the British Isles.
37Land, Joseph and "Justice" in MissouriHistorians show how "the law" in Missouri held Joseph hostage to "legally" rid itself of Mormons.
38Nauvoo BeginningsHistorians document the beginnings of Nauvoo, the beautiful city, and the implications from Joseph that it wouldn't last for long.
39"I Can Do Nothing for You"Recount the meeting of the Prophet and the president in 1839, and learn Smith's candid assessment of the people and power of the nation's capital.
40Joseph Smith's SermonsDiscuss how the Saints viewed the difference between Joseph's preaching and the revelations he received from God.
41Jewel on the MississippiReview the remarkable design, organization of labor, and confluence of expertise that created the most notable structure along the Mississippi River.
42A Pearl of Great PriceRecount the story of how a remarkable find in Egypt ended up half a world away in the hands of the one man who could translate the Abrahamic text.
43Doctrines of SalvationExamine a period of time in the early Church as Joseph introduces the doctrines that made the construction of a temple extremely urgent.
44Joseph and the Relief SocietyScholars examine the first meetings of the Relief Society, including the admonition that the organization become a vital source in the church.
45Living by the LawLegal scholars document the legal wrangling that kept the Prophet on the defense during the Nauvoo years.
46Going InternationalExplore the early foreign missions of the Church in Canada, the British Isles, Palestine, and the Pacific islands.
47Gathering CloudsJoin scholars to discuss the fear and frustration of non-Mormons when Latter-day Saints became a political force.
48Joseph Smith for PresidentFollow the Prophet's very unique entry into national politics including his opinions on the role of government.
49MartyrdomLearn about the events leading to the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.
50Lamentation and LeadershipScholars discuss the extraordinary events that led to consolidation of the Church's new leadership.
51Who Will Lead? Who Will Follow?Discuss the contention that arose over who would succeed Joseph Smith.
100A Television ForewordJoin scholars for an introduction to the scope and intention of the Papers project.

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