Archives: Conference Adventure

If you are a frequent reader of my blog, you might know that I’ve been researching missionary diaries for an article I’d like to write and that along the way to writing it, I am first presenting a paper on my initial findings to the Mormon History Association. The time has come. The conference is here!I decided to pack my camera on my trip and blog along the way. So, here we go.

tickets78Flight, rental car, lodging: check! Here is a little something about the group sponsoring the conference:

The Mormon History Association is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to the study and understanding of all aspects of Mormon history. We welcome all who are interested in the Mormon past, irrespective of religious affiliation, academic training, or world location. We promote our goals through scholarly research, conferences, awards, and publications.

The past president is Laurel Thatcher Ulrich of Harvard University. She is the founder of the feast. Her book, A Midwife’s Tale based upon her thesis, sparked my grad student imagination and served as a template for all the research I did for my master’s degree. With members of the association of that caliber, I definitely have some reaching to do.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016, I fly to Salt Lake City and spend the afternoon researching at the Church History Library, across the street from this beautiful landmark.

temple79Then I met my friend for shopping and dinner at City Creek Center.

kathy983Afterwards we strolled through Temple Square, watched the beautiful sunset, and talked about all that has happened since we last saw each other. For instance, she just got her master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. She’s awesome like that!

assembly81Thursday, June 9, 2016 I spend the day in Provo researching at the L. Tom Perry Special Collections library on BYU’s campus. I was reading the diary and papers of a missionary who served in Ireland in 1902. I paused for an essential lunch break, which included a trip to the BYU Dairy. The best. On this day I had a sampler of Strawberry Sundae, Peanut Butter Cup, and Roasted Almond Fudge.

IceCream84Then I toured one exhibit at BYU’s Museum of Art because art feeds the researcher’s soul. I saw this installation while I was there. Wow.

art91At five o’clock it was time to pack up my things and head up Little Cottonwood Canyon in time for the conference opener. But first, a last look at why Brigham Young University is one of the most beautiful campuses on the planet. It’s the setting.

campus20On the way up the canyon, I passed the Granite Mountain Vaults, which Brianne Wright is obsessed with, so this picture is for her.

granite1021I checked into my room, donned my name badge, and headed downstairs for the opening reception.

badge022More tomorrow.

 

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