Church History Locations

The Joseph and Emma Smith Home was the residence of the Smith family for just over four years. As you step inside, you’ll gain a glimpse into the daily life of the young prophet and his wife. It was in this very home that five revelations now included in the Doctrine and Covenants were received, and where the translation of the Book of Abraham took place. Additionally, the home was the site of the organization of the Church’s first High Priesthood quorum.

The home underwent careful restoration and was dedicated by Elder David A. Bednar in 2023.

Tour Info: A guided tour of the home takes approximately 30 minutes and is fully wheelchair accessible. The home is located half a mile uphill from Historic Kirtland and just 100 yards downhill from the Kirtland Temple.

Your visit to Historic Kirtland begins at the Visitors’ Center, where friendly missionaries will welcome you. Start your experience by watching a 24-minute film about the early Latter-day Saints in Kirtland, followed by a guided tour of the area’s historic buildings.

If you choose the full tour, you will explore key sites, including Newel K. Whitney’s store, the Whitney family home, a sawmill, an ashery, and the Johnson Inn. These locations are significant not only for their historical value but also as places where Joseph Smith received revelations and where the early Saints came together to build the temple.

Tour Info: A typical tour lasts approximately 1½ hours, but if you're short on time, the missionaries are happy to customize the experience to fit your schedule.

After living with the Morley’s, Joseph and Emma Smith moved to Hiram, Ohio, where they stayed with John and Elsa Johnson. The Johnson home became a significant place of conversion, revelation, Church administration, and unwavering devotion amid adversity. This historic home has been thoughtfully restored to reflect the period when Joseph and Emma resided there.

Tour Info: Located southeast of Historic Kirtland, the Johnson home is about a 45-minute drive away. A full tour typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, but if you're pressed for time, missionaries are happy to tailor the tour to suit your schedule.