Designed by expert Karl Ricks Anderson - "Mr. Kirtland" - and hosted/guided by veteran MHA guide, Doug Meredith.
This tour begins by exploring some of the most important spiritual sites in the history of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. See several Smith family ancestral sites, including Tunbridge, Norwich, & West Lebanon where Joseph Sr and Lucy Mack spent their early years. Visit the newly-renovated Smith ancestral plot in Topsfield MA. We’ll explore sites in and around Sharon Vermont, the birthplace of the prophet Joseph Smith. Then onward to a bit of Pennsylvania and parts of beautiful upstate New York visiting sites--both well-known and not-so-well-known--in Harmony, Colesville, Palmyra, and Fayette. Enroute to Kirtland, spend an enjoyable afternoon visiting the breathtaking Niagara Falls USA with a thrilling boat ride right up to the base of the falls! Travel off-season in mid-October, for mild temperatures, Autumn leaves, and low crowds at the sites.
Historical Sites Visited
TOPSFIELD MA
Newly-renovated cemetery plot featuring two monuments honoring five generations of Joseph Smith's forefathers, the first of which arrived in Massachusetts in 1638.
Sharon VT
Explore Sharon, 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 visitor's 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 inspiring bravery in a terrifying surgery.
TUNBRIDGE VT
See the town hall, village store (Joseph Sr’s store for a time), and the Mack sawmill. Location of Lucy Mack’s and Joseph Sr’s marriage documents.
SOUTH BAINBRIDGE & COLESVILLE NY
Joseph Jr and Emma were married here by Squire Tarbell as they eloped from Harmony. These towns were home to 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 and in the lives of Joseph and Emma. We also have a 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. A great portion of the Book of Mormon was translated here--hear detailed descriptions of the process. 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! It's a sacred spot to discuss this immense gift! Visit the graves of Joseph & Emma's first child and those of Emma's parents, Isaac and Elizabeth Hale.
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, very special session at the Palmyra Temple (if temple is open during tour date). This is an absolutely unforgettable day!
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 the incredible Whitmer family and the great blessings they received through their remarkable 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 majestic falls and scenery on the way to Ohio from New York.
KIRTLAND OH
Newell K. Whitney Store (School of the Prophets; Word of Wisdom received here with several other D&C sections). Also the 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). Tour of the magnificent Kirtland Temple. Visit nearby historic sites such as Orange, Shaker Heights, Oberlin, 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.” 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! 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 at this home, including the great 76th three degrees of glory. Very sacred ground.