It's Memorial Day weekend.

In most years, this is a busy time at properties supported by the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation. Visitors marvel at the Kirtland Temple in Ohio, shop in the Red Brick Store at the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois, and gaze at Liberty Hall, once the home of Joseph Smith III, in Lamoni, Iowa.

But not this year. Not during a time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The historic sites are closed through at least the end of the year.

But there's hope.

ith the pandemic seemingly in retreat, it's possible to at least hope for visits next year. Meanwhile, volunteers and staff members are working so guests will enjoy their return, whenever that may happen. Hope abounds! 

        Encore! Encore!
      The 2020 lecture series, which started in response to the pandemic, was such a hit that the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation just had to offer you more.
      So at 7:00 p.m. (CDT) April 22, you can join the start of the Spring Lecture Series to hear Richard Howard, who served as World Church historian from 1966–1994. He’ll reflect on research, 20th-century changes, challenges, and more.
         Joining him will be Andrea Read-Davis, a board member with the foundation. The series will continue weekly into June.
      To register for the April 22 event, go to the home page of this website and click on the registration button.

     Sure, many of us are bummed that we can't visit inside the Kirtland Temple, Red Brick Store, Liberty Hall, or Heritage Plaza.
      But even during the pandemic, you still can take advantage of a vibrant spring day to drive past. Checking out the exteriors of these historic sites is still of worth--and it might help prepare you for a visit next year, after the sites reopen.
​       Besides, a beautiful drive on a fresh spring day is a good way to get out of the house.

    If you're yearning to visit one of the properties supported by the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation, you're going to have to wait a bit longer.
    The church announced Friday, February 6, that because of the pandemic the historic sites and many other properties will remain closed through at least December 31, 2021.
    The announcement said the "First Presidency made the decision based on current information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic with continued concern for the health and welfare of visitors, staff, and their families."
   In addition, the announcement said field apostles are responsible for regional decisions about worship gatherings, camps, and other physical gatherings.

   For good measure, we'll say it one more time: Thank you!
   Your generosity helped us reach the goal in December's "$25,000 in 25 Days" fund-raising campaign.
   The money, coming in a year when the historic sites have been closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is especially appreciated. Though historic properties such as the Temple in Kirtland, Ohio, and the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois, have been shuttered, maintenance expenses have continued.
   Your contributions to the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation also have helped us develop education resources, run online lecture series, and increase the ways we share church heritage.
   If you'd like to continue your donations, press on the "Donate" button on this website's home page.
   Again, thank you!

   OK, this has been a tough year. Nobody would dispute that.
   The pandemic forced closure of the properties supported by the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation through at least March 31, 2021. During this time, expenses have kept arriving, even when visitors could not. To help compensate, numerous online resources and events have been held.
   Now as we turn to 2021, this season of giving reminds us of opportunities.  One opportunity is to support historic sites by contributing to the “$25K in 25 Days” campaign.
   Donations may be made through the US Postal Service at Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation, P.O. Box 338, Nauvoo, IL 62354. Donations also can be made by calling (440) 477-9562.
   And of course you can contribute online by clicking on the “Donate” button of this website’s home page. We thank you for your support and wish you a merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

     The Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation welcomed Sherry Mesle-Morain to her first board meeting November 14.
     Mesle-Morain, who lives in Lamoni, Iowa, said the favorite job in her career was working as director of Financial Aid Services for Graceland University.
     She said her favorite period in church history was the mid-20th century, when the church struggled to transition from the one and only true church to a world church.
     In a biography she presented to the board, she wrote: “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues in finding stories to tell that add to visitors’ understanding of our church history at our historic sites.”

     Former Apostle Andrew Bolton will provide a bonus for the Autumn Lecture Series by exploring the story behind the Community of Christ peace seal.
      The event will begin at noon (Central Time) November 21. It will conclude with the Daily Prayer for Peace at 1:00 p.m.
     The church seal, beloved by members and used all over the world, has helped the church transform from a past that included violence to a people pursuing peace.
    Andrew will examine Isaiah 11:1–10 and a hymn that inspired the seal. The presentation will include art, color, and design.
      To register, visit the Autumn Lecture Series tab under Latest News on this website.

The Kirtland Temple in Ohio and the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation took a major hit at the end of September when Site Director Seth Bryant took his energy and creativity to the VA. 
During his four years as site director, he oversaw numerous improvements and maintenance projects. He also designed a new website, started an online museum store, and began the project to offer virtual reality tours. 
In addition, he served as an ex-officio board member of the foundation, participated in numerous Storyteller events, and more. Foundation Executive Director Barbara Walden referred to him as a “minister of church history.” 
Because of the pandemic, all Community of Christ historic sites will remain closed until at least March 2021. This will provide time for leaders to search for a replacement. ​