Sharon Vermont to Palmyra to Kirtland LDS Church History Tour

Designed by Karl Ricks Anderson

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Designed by expert Karl Ricks Anderson - "Mr. Kirtland".  Tour begins by exploring some of the most important spiritual sites in the history of this world. We’ll experience sites in and around Sharon Vermont, the birthplace of the prophet Joseph Smith. See sites in Tunbridge where Joseph Sr and Lucy Mack spent their early years. Then on to beautiful upstate New York visiting Restoration sites–both well-known and not-so-well-known from Palmyra to Harmony to Kirtland. En route to Kirtland, spend an enjoyable afternoon visiting awesome Niagara Falls USA with a thrilling boat ride right up to the base of the falls. Travel off-season for very pleasant temperatures and no crowds at the sites.

Historical Sites Visited

Sharon VT

Birthplace of the prophet Joseph Smith. Magnificent obelisk monument erected at the family cabin site. The story of the building and placing of this monument is, in itself, a remarkable story! Beautiful, peaceful grounds and visitors’ center.

West Lebanon NH

Site of young Joseph’s terrifying and unusual leg operation due to a bone infection as a result of the Typhus epidemic. Hear their accounts of this unusual situation and young Joseph’s consummate bravery.

Tunbridge VT

See the town hall, village store (Joseph Sr’s store for a time), and the Mack sawmill. Lucy Mack’s and Joseph Sr’s marriage documents.

South Bainbridge & Colesville NY

Joseph and Emma were married here by Squire Tarbell as they eloped from Harmony. These towns were home of the “Colesville Saints,” some of the most faithful early Saints of the church. Important historic figures Josiah Stowell, Joseph Knight Sr, and Newell Knight came from this area and we’ll discuss their importance to the restoration. We also have the unique privilege to tour inside the privately-owned and beautifully restored and refurbished homes of the Josiah Stowell and Joseph Knight.

Harmony PA

Home of Emma’s family where Joseph met and fell in love with and eventually eloped from with Emma. Most of the Book of Mormon was translated here except for a few pages–hear Emma’s description. Temple-like atmosphere at the Susquehanna River where John the Baptist restored the Aaronic priesthood and near where Peter, James, and John appeared and restored the higher Priesthood! Very moving visit!  

Palmyra NY

Smith family farm. Tour the re-built log home where Moroni’s visits took place. Enjoy the Sacred Grove (including private meditation time), Hill Cumorah, Grandin Press (where the Book of Mormon was first printed), Martin Harris Farm, Palmyra Cemetery, very special session at the Palmyra Temple (if temple is open during tour date). This is an absolutely unforgettable opportunity!

Fayette NY

Peter Whitmer Farm where the Church was first organized. Site of the visions to the three witnesses. Many Doctrine & Covenants sections were received here and conferences of the Church were held. Learn about this incredible family and the great blessings they received through their great faith.

Niagara Falls USA

Take a thrilling Maid of the Mist boat ride right up to the falls–your shoes might get wet, but a raincoat is provided! We’ll take a few hours to relax and enjoy the magnificent falls and scenery on the way to Ohio from New York.

Buffalo Harbor NY

On Lake Erie. Hear Lucy Mack Smith’s magnificent account of traveling from here toward Kirtland as she led a group of Saints migrating to Kirtland. Picture the mighty miracle of the parting of the ice-clogged waterway as an answer to her mighty prayer and great faith!

Kirtland OH

Newell K. Whitney Store (School of the Prophets; Word of Wisdom received here with several other D&C sections). Also spectacular Kirtland Visitor’s Center, the restored John Johnson Inn, re-built sawmill, ashery, and schoolhouse. Also, enjoy a visit to the Isaac Morley Farm (United Order revealed and practiced here). Private tour of the Kirtland Temple. Visit nearby historic sites such as Painesville, Orange, Shaker Heights, South Amherst–and more. Learn more about the D&C revelations received here and important early Church history events and conferences that took place at these sites. 

Fairport Harbor, OH

On Lake Erie, just 12 miles from Kirtland. Here saints arrived and departed from points east, including nearly all missionaries going to and from Europe. This was also the landing point for those migrating to Kirtland as they answered the call to “gather to the Ohio.” Historic lighthouse, spectacular vista.

Hiram, OH

John Johnson Farm. Joseph Smith lived here for a year while producing the “Inspired Translation” of the Bible. He was also violently tarred and feathered here yet delivered a sermon the following morning where afterward several who were gathered asked for baptism. Many sections of the D&C received here including the great 76th three degrees of glory. Very sacred ground.

WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US FOR THIS EXTRAORDINARY TOUR AND EXPERIENCE, IN A MOST MEMORABLE WAY, WHERE THE BOOK OF MORMON CAME FORTH, WHERE MANY OF OUR EARLY PROPHETS BEGAN THEIR MINISTRY, AND WHERE THE CHURCH, ITSELF, BEGAN. THIS IS TRULY A HOLY LAND OF NORTH AMERICA.