The  Joseph  Smith  Jr.  and  Emma  Hale  Smith  Historical  Society

From the producers of "Emma Smith, My Story" a new DVD, "Children of Joseph."

There is much about the Smith family that still remains unknown and overshadowed in misinformation.  When the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred in 1844, his wife Emma Hale Smith and five of their eleven children were left behind. Earnest attempts to aid and help the little Smith family became entangled in assumptions and misunderstandings on all sides, which have remained for generations.

The Joseph Smith and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society in collaboration with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints tells the story of the restoration through the eyes of the wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr.  By the side of the founder of a new faith stood an elect lady of undeniable courage, Emma.

From Emma’s point of view, we see the events that molded the wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith (founder of the Mormon faith) into a strong and compassionate woman. The film begins near the end of Emma's life. Her adopted daughter, Julia Murdock Smith, returns home to Emma and shares several hardships she has had. Emma relates to Julia some of her own life's experiences to give her a different perspective and illustrate the importance of maintaining faith amid such trials. Various turning points in Emma's life are revealed as she recounts experiences ranging from her childhood with a father that was very strict and who forbade praying in the home, to her courtship and marriage to Joseph Smith, and the challenges she faced in being the wife of the Prophet. The film also includes brief insights into her life and character after the martyrdom of Joseph until her own death in Nauvoo in 1879.

 “Profoundly Impressive This is a cut above anything that has ever been done.”  Truman Madsen

 “Wonderful, Marvelous, Tender Presentation of an Elect lady!” Susan Easton Black

The Times and Teachings of Joseph Smith is a direct to DVD compilation of several short films of dramatic stories that provide insight into the teachings of Joseph Smith and help today’s viewers understand the events that molded his life. It includes fourteen all-new original presentations of Joseph Smith’s teachings. Perfect for families and classrooms! Designed to complement current Priesthood and Relief Society manuals.

“Truly inspiring! This beautifully crafted glimpse into portions of Joseph’s life adds tender depth and a broader understanding of the gospel principles that richly bless our lives today.” - Anita Stansfield

“The Times and Teachings of Joseph Smith is an engaging movie that will take you back in time to hear the Prophet describe his personal encounters with heavenly beings and listen to him teach many of the essential doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ. Intertwined with the historical sequences are meaningful testimonies of modern Saints who share how the latter-day Seer has affected their lives for good by helping them draw closer to the Savior and His restored gospel. This production is informative, sometimes moving, and sure to enhance the viewer’s understanding about a life lived for the up building of mankind and the glory of God.” Matthew B. Brown

The great-great-granddaughter of Joseph and Emma Smith and our chief historian for the Historical Society, Gracia Jones was taught as a young girl not to discuss her relationship to the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Years later, when as a young woman she joined the LDS church, she was intrigued by what she heard of her ancestors, particularly Emma, who was viewed as not quite Joseph's equal.

Emma and Joseph: Their Divine Mission is a careful, sensitive history describing the powerful sustaining relationship that Joseph and Emma shared and their tremendous mutual loyalty throughout the seventeen years of their marriage.

Author Gracia Jones writes, “There is no doubt that Emma put her whole soul into the effort of helping to lay the foundation of the kingdom of God. Her faith in the truthfulness of (Joseph's) mission caused Emma to turn her back on parents, social position, security and all things a girl holds dear, to share a beggar's life with her prophet husband, whose entire energy was directed toward fulfilling God's commandment to take the message of the Restoration to the whole world. . . ”

Joseph's devotion to Emma shines through his numerous letters to her. Of Emma, Joseph wrote, “She that was my wife of my youth, and the choice of my heart. . . Again she is here, even in the seventh trouble — undaunted, firm, and unwavering — unchangeable, affectionate Emma!”

In sharing her personal study of Joseph and Emma, including letters not published elsewhere, sister Jones offers readers new understanding into these two very important figures in Church history and the various events that shaped their lives.

Insightful and thoroughly documented, Emma and Joseph: Their Divine Mission will undoubtedly become a classic among all students of Church history. Not only does it contain information that has not been widely available, it presents many familiar incidents in a new light, from the author's new perspective.