NEW YORK — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today received
the prestigious Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation for the
restoration of the "Joseph Smith Farmhouse" in Palmyra, New York.
The award was given by the Preservation League of New York State, which
recognizes organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the
preservation of New York state's irreplaceable architectural heritage.
In honoring the Church, the Preservation League said, "The careful
restoration of the building has returned this magnificent structure to its
original appearance and will certainly add to the interpretation of the
site."
The farmhouse, completed in 1825, is the wooden frame home in which the
Joseph Smith Sr. Family lived until they moved to a nearby home in 1829. Members
of the Church believe that in a wooded grove near the frame home, God and His
Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith Jr. What followed was the foundation
of a faith that is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world today with
over 11 million members.
Intensive research and careful planning were necessary to restore the
farmhouse to its original 1820s appearance. Steven Olsen, assistant director of
the Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City, says every scrap of
original material was preserved in the restoration process. "This is the
only remaining workmanship of the Smith family. Visitors can see the whitewash
the family put on the walls of the home as well as the notched wood used to
build it."
"We are delighted and grateful the Church has such a strong commitment
to the restoration of historic religious sites," Olsen said. "The
Smith family frame home will continue to tell the significant story of the
restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," Olsen
added.
The Church was one of 16 organizations and individuals recognized for
preservation work that has spurred economic development, increased heritage
tourism, provided affordable housing, revitalized downtowns or supported
stewardship of New York's architectural and cultural heritage.
