S I T E S   &   P R O J E C T S

Visit the Historic Sites

Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation supports preserving and sharing Community of Christ historic sites with present and future generations.

Kirtland

Nestled in the charming hills of northeastern Ohio, this "House of the Lord" stands as a vivid reminder that Kirtland  was once home to some of the 19th century's most successful community builders. Inspired by the beliefs and practices of the earliest Christians, followers of Joseph Smith Jr. gathered in Kirtland and built their first temple between 1833 and 1836. The Kirtland Temple stood at the center of community life for more than 2,000 believers by 1838. Within a year, all but 100 were gone. The Kirtland Temple is a National Historic Landmark.

Nauvoo

The Joseph Smith Historic Site preserves the properties and memories of Joseph Smith Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, his father, Joseph Smith Sr., and son, Joseph Smith III. The site houses many original structures from the 1840s, as well as the Smith Family Cemetery, final resting place of Joseph and Emma Smith, Hyrum Smith, Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith, and numerous other family members and friends. The Joseph Smith Historic Site is part of the Nauvoo National Historic Landmark District. 

Lamoni

Members of the church founded Lamoni, Iowa, in 1870 as a Zionic community. In 1881 Joseph Smith III and his family moved here and the town became the church's headquarters. Their home, named Liberty Hall, became a center of social and religious life for the community.

Plano

The Plano Stone Church in Plano, Illinois, was completed and dedicated in November 1868 and was the home congregation of church president Joseph Smith III from 1868 until 1881, serving as denominational headquarters.

Independence

Heritage Plaza, located near the Temple complex in Independence, Missouri, preserves three historic buildings, including the F.M. Smith Study, originally built in the early 1830s, and the 1826 Jones H. Flournoy Home. 

T E A C H   &   L E A R N

Educational Resources

The Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation has compiled a library of educational resources to bring church history to life for your family, your congregation, or your reunion.

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D O N A T E   &   S U P P O R T

How You Can Contribute

Make a Donation

We invite you to make a generous donation towards preserving the treasured historic sites for future generations.

Help Fund an Intern

The Alma Blair Internship Program at the Community of Christ historic sites is a summer program supporting young adult education since the early 1970s.

Explore Other Giving Options

Beyond gifts of cash, there are many additional ways to support the work of the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation.

Latest News

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Women's History Tour 

A Story to Tell: Women in Community of Christ History October 5-15, 2020

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S T A Y   I N   T O U C H

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T E S T I M O N I A L

President Stephen M. Veazey

We are aware the church’s historic sites’ impact extends far beyond members and friends of this church. Up to 45,000 people from different Latter Day Saints traditions and the public-at-large visit the Kirtland Temple each year. They are enriched by what they learn and experience.

We view key historic sites as a special stewardship of the church. I encourage church members, families, and friends to make the historical sites part of your spiritual formation and to support the work of Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation.

— Kirtland Temple Visitor Center Dedication, March 27, 2011