The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains a network of museums, monuments, and historic sites designed to help members and friends connect with the history of the Restoration. In a recent episode of the Church News podcast, Jacob W. Olmstead and Benedicte Dansie from the Church History Department shared how these locations serve as physical witnesses to the faith and sacrifices of early Saints.
Jacob W. Olmstead, a region manager in the Historic Sites Program, explained that these sites act similarly to the stones used by the Israelites in the book of Joshua, helping future generations remember the works of the Lord. He noted that while many people visit in person, the program is actively developing ways to reach a global audience.
Benedicte Dansie, a curator for Historic Sites, highlighted the importance of these locations in making history feel tangible. She mentioned that the sites allow visitors to connect with the humanity of historical figures through their stories. The program currently manages approximately 30 official visitable sites in the United States, but thousands of other markers and monuments exist globally to document the ongoing Restoration.
To accommodate those unable to travel, the Church offers virtual experiences. This includes live virtual tours via technology that allows for one-on-one interaction with missionaries, as well as integrated Google walkthroughs in certain locations like Ohio. The program is also testing new formats, such as short-form documentary-style videos and 360-degree walkthroughs, to better convey the spirit and geography of these sacred places.
Recent and upcoming developments include a new exhibit at the Hill Cumorah Visitors’ Center featuring sculptural vignettes and oil paintings. Additionally, a new Nauvoo Temple Visitors’ Center is being prepared, and the restoration of the Brigham Young and Mary Ann Angell House is nearing completion with a targeted opening in late June.
The Historic Sites Program is placing a heavy emphasis on accessibility and universal design. Efforts are underway to make sites more physically accessible for those with mobility needs, as well as intellectually accessible through expanded language translations, which currently include 14 primary languages. On Temple Square, ongoing work at the Beehive and Lion Houses aims to provide tailor-made tours for families, youth, and older adults, with a goal of opening before the Salt Lake Temple celebration in January.
