An 1830 first edition of the book of mormon is on display in a new exhibition at the smithsonian s national museum of american history. The smithsonian institue considers the book of mormon a. Smithsonian institution still disavows the book of mormans. Smithsonian to feature early mormon artifacts in new exhibit. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. There are copies of the book of mormon in the library of the national museum, of natural history, smithsonian institution. Smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon.
Sep 12, 2019 mormonism sprang from the mounds, wrote roger kennedy, former director of the smithsonian national museum of american history. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon mormons. This is the pinnacle book of collecting in mormon culture. The religion in early america exhibit, part of four new the nation we build together exhibitions and interactive experiences, opens to the public on june 28, 2017, in the national museum of american history. The smithsonian and the book of mormon national museum of natural history smithsonian institution washington d. I wrote both aforementioned reputable places and both wrote back with their official responses to the authenticity of the book of mormon.
The smithsonian institution building also known as the castle was completed in 1855 to house an art gallery, a library, a chemical laboratory, lecture halls, museum galleries, and offices. The smithsonian institution has never used it in archaeological. In 1998, the smithsonian revised the form letter and stated that book of mormon had not been used by the smithsonian in any form of archaeological research. See what the smithsonian had to say about the history found in the book of mormon. The 1996 smithsonian statement regarding the book of mormon. The smithsonian institution does not use it in archeological research. Didnt the smithsonian intitute prove the book of mormon was. Shop smithsonian and discover hundreds of unique museum gifts including jewelry, accessories, apparel, books, games, decor, and more. It tells of migrations of people to america before columbus. The smithsonian institution has never used it in archaeological research and has found no archaeological evidence to support its claims. The smithsonian museums are the most widely visible part of the united states smithsonian institution and consist of 20 museums and galleries as well as the national zoological park. Matheny, response at book of mormon archaeology sunstone symposium, 25 august 1984, typed copy transcribed from tape recording, pp. Smithsonian debunks book of mormon weldon langfield. Mormon artifacts on display at the smithsonian meridian.
The smithsonian institutions statement on the book of mormon. Visitors to the museum will be able to see an original manuscript of the book of mormon, an 1830 first edition of the book of mormon, a couple of rare mormon gold coins and two kirtland safety society notes from 1837. Smithsonian visitors view an original manuscript of the book of mormon, an 1830 first edition of the book of mormon, a couple of rare mormon gold coins and two kirtland safety society notes from. Smithsonian institution museums in washington, dc washington dc. Smithsonian letter about book of mormon lightplanet. The smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between archeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. Just steps to the left of a bronze cast of abraham lincolns actual face, taken from his plaster death mask, prominently stands a sunstone from the original nauvoo temple. Joseph smith had published the book of mormon in 1830 in palmyra, new york. A ferrous industry is a whole system of doing something.
Jun 24, 2017 artifacts from the early history of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints are on display in a new oneyear exhibition at the smithsonian in washington, d. Your recent inquiry concerning the smithsonian institutions alleged use of the book of mormon as a scientific guide has been received in the smithsonians department of anthropology. Visitors to the museum will be able to see an original manuscript of the book of mormon, an 1830 first edition of the book of mormon, a couple. Latterday saint artifacts on display at the smithsonian youtube.
National treasures from the museum s own collection are on view. Why the smithsonian doesnt believe the book of mormon. The smithsonian considers the book of mormon a religious document and not a scientific guide. Smithsonian institutions stance on the book of mormon. Jun 10, 2008 smithsonian letter regarding book of mormon i think it is important for everyone to read the smithsonian letter about the book of mormon. Smithsonian institution letter statement regarding the book. You might wish to consult the following publications. In a letter addressed to me dated february 23, 2009, they stated. Smithsonian statement book of mormon archaeological forum. The smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in any way. In new york city, we invite you to tour two museums in historic settings. Many concepts from the book of mormon are present in this book notably 2000 stripling warriors, a liahonalike description of a metal device, the freeman movement, rod of iron, standard of liberty, brass plates, cataclysmic earthquakes followed by great darkness, chiasmus, and many, many more. Mormon artifacts from the early history of the church of jesus christ of.
The smithsonian, museum of natural history and countless archaeologists have used it to unearth our past. The remaining ones are in new york city and chantilly, virginia. Smithsonian institution letter statement regarding the. The smithsonian offers eleven museums and galleries on the national mall plus six other museums and the national zoo in the greater national capital area. Treasured mormon manuscript, other lds artifacts now can be.
The george washington inaugural bible is being placed on a one year loan to the smithsonian museum of american history in washington, dc to be used in their religion in early america exhibit and events beginning june 28, 2017 the role of religion in the formation and development of the united states is at the heart of this oneyear exhibition that explores the themes of. During this time the smithsonian was a learning institution concerned mainly with enhancing science and less interested in being a museum. An 1830 first edition of the book of mormon is on display in a new exhibition at the smithsonian s national museum of american history photo suppliedintellectual reserve, inc. The lds artifacts featured include an 1830 book of mormon, two. Dec 28, 2009 here is a letter written by the smithsonian institution in regards to the book of mormon and its relation to archeology and the new world. Smithsonian statement about the book of mormon summary. In 1988 the smithsonian institute responded to a letter asking for archaeological evidence supporting the book of mormon. Many concepts from the book of mormon are present in this book notably 2000 stripling warriors, a liahonalike description of a metal device, the freeman movement, rod of iron, standard of. Smithsonian disavows use of book of mormon for archaeological guide and sees no connection between new world and book of mormon. Anonymous, smithsonian statement on the book of mormon revisited, journal of book of mormon studies 71 1998. Its not a particularly rare book, but it is a valuable book. The smithsonian institution has never used it in archeological research and any information that you may have received to the contrary is incorrect.
Mormon artifacts on display at the smithsonian religion. The smithsonian institution sends a form letter to those who inquire about their use of the book of mormon for archaeological purposes. National museum of natural history smithsonian institution washington, d. As a public health precaution due to covid19, all smithsonian museums and the. Even before the book of mormon was published, mormonism was linked to the moundbuilder civilizations of north america. Smithsonian archeologists see no direct connection between. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon. Mar 22, 2012 the book of mormon is a religious document and not a scientific guide. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of in any way as a scientific guide. The objects represent the diverse range of christian. I should have remembered that this was in the smithsonian, but i didnt. Although this does not lead to 100% proof, it should at least raise concerns on the historicity of the book of mormon. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the book of.
Sorenson, a new evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon. Your recent inquiry concerning the book of mormon has been. The national geographic society had a similar response. For example, iron and horses were not present in america during the alleged dates. Look for exhibitions and affiliate museums in your community. Smithsonian and the book of mormon mormonism research ministry. Smithsonian to feature early mormon artifacts in new. In addition there are no archeological artifacts found to support the ancient people groups of the book of mormon. Mormon artifacts on display at the smithsonian in washington.
The smithsonian institutions national museum of natural history for a number of years distributed a written statement denying the book of mormon is a valid guide for archaeological exploration. Feb 21, 20 does the smithsonian currently have any artifacts that can be identified as originating from the cultures described in the book of mormon. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in any way as a scientific guide. Mormon scholars speculated that this was because the earlier version of the letter contradicts some aspects of research published by smithsonian staff members.
While archaeology could be useful in determining where the events of the book of mormon took place, the book of mormon does not contain the sort of historical detail that would make it useful for nonmormon archaeologists. Smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between the archaeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. Our book of mormon central delegation went to washington d. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon.
The book of mormon is a r eligious document and not a scientific guide. Because the smithsonian institution receives many inquiries regarding the book of mormon, we have prepared a statement regarding the book of mormon. Explore and learn about everything from the origins of man and the future of flight to the history of art across multiple continents with more than 150. Smithsonian and the book of mormon mormonism research. Book of mormonarchaeologysmithsonian statement fair. Smithsonian archeologists see no direct connection between the archeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the book. This allows us to provide accurate, complete information from multiple perspectives for people of all faiths or no faith. Explore and learn about everything from the origins of man and the future of flight to the history of art across multiple continents with more than 150 million objects, works of art and specimens to discover.
The physical type of the american indian is basically mongoloid, being most closely related to that of the peoples of eastern. Oct 23, 2012 our second unexpected encounter with mormonism was at the smithsonian museum of american history. Mormon artifacts on display at the smithsonian faith. Mormon artifacts on display at the smithsonian church newsroom. The national geographic society has a similar letter. Smithsonian institutions stance on the book of mormon the. Jun 26, 2017 several artifacts from the restoration period of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints will be displayed at the smithsonian national museum of american history in the religion in early america exhibit, according to a video from mormon newsroom. The book of mormon mentions horses, pigs, chickens, and other domesticated animals in abundance in the americas over 1,000 years before columbus. The smithsonian institute uses the book of mormon in its research false this myth is old some claim over a hundred years old and is well documented all over the internet. The smithsonian is a highly respected institution with many fine scholars, yet they are clearly not experts in many of the fields needed to scientifically evaluate book of mormon claims, and it is also evident that they have not made a serious effort to understand the book of mormon. Our museums, galleries, and zoo smithsonian institution. An 1830 first edition of the book of mormon, including a page from the. Does the smithsonian institution send out a letter. Information from the smithsonian institution washington, d.
Dec 16, 2020 the smithsonian statement lists many items not in existence from the time period of the book of mormon. Mormons, what is the smithsonians position on book of. Visitors to the museum will be able to see an original manuscript of the book of mormon, an 1830 first edition of the book of mormon, a couple of rare mormon. An 1830 first edition of the book of mormon is on display in a new exhibition at the smithsonians national museum of american history. Your recent inquiry concerning the smithsonian institutions alleged use of the book of mormon as a scientific guide has been received in the smithsonian s department of anthropology. Here is the text of the letter as referenced from this site. A letter from no less than the smithsonian institute destroys the credibility of these book of mormon claims. Mormon scholars speculated that this was because the earlier version of the letter contradicts some. Essentially, the claim is that the smithsonian institute andor the national geographical society use the book of mormon in its historical research of latin america.
Collectively called the smithsonian institution, this worldrenowned museum and research complex consists of 17 museums, galleries and a zoo. Information from the national museum of natural history smithsonian institution washington, d. Mormons, what is the smithsonians position on book of mormon. The printers manuscript is the earliest surviving copy of about 72 percent of the book of mormon text. Information from the national museum of natural history.
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