Today leaders of two churches announced the transfer of the Kirtland Temple and other historic sites and artifacts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For many months, I have had the singular privilege to assist with this project in several ways:
- Served as historical adviser during contract negotiation. This involved visiting the sites, meeting with leaders, and evaluating historical significance.
- Served on the 8-person strike team responsible for the announcement and transfer. My specific assignments involved planning for the historic documents and artifacts as well as overseeing communication, which led to my writing the FAQ released with the announcement, authoring a brief summary published with the artifact display, and a preparing more detailed summary in BYU Studies.
- Authenticated and transported the historic documents and artifacts. I traveled to Independence before March 5 to prepare to transport the Liberty Jail door and paintings of Joseph and Emma. On the morning of March 5, I authenticated all of the acquired documents and then drove them across country under armed guard.
- Trained missionaries in Nauvoo on how to answer difficult questions. Visitors to Nauvoo now learn about the history of the temple endowment (in the Red Brick Store) and plural marriage (Mansion House), two topics never before addressed at the Church’s historic sites.
- Served as historian for the project by gathering records, conducting interviews, and preparing an internal history.
