March 22, 2025, 3:12pm MDT
The historic location of the Latter-day Saints’ Church of Jesus Christ has been recognized by the award.
The Joseph and Emma Smith homes were credited with the Cleveland Restoration Society and Ire Cleveland for their achievements in reconstructing religious landmarks at the 2025 Preservation Awards ceremony held in Cleveland, Ohio on Friday, March 21st.
Representatives from the Church’s Historical Division attended an event at Cleveland’s historic Ariel LaSalle Theatre and accepted an award recognising outstanding achievements in historic preservation in northeast Ohio.
The award recognizes the homes of Joseph and Emma Smith, who enriched and preserved Kirtland’s historic and cultural heritage, written in an email to the church news by Benjamin Picles, director of the Department of Church History’s Historical Sites.
“The church is investing important resources to restore, preserve and share historic sites,” he writes. “The meticulous attention to historical accuracy is paid to ensure that visitors have a genuine experience in these sacred places. In these sacred places, we can learn about the great things that the Lord did in restoring the Gospel to Earth. We are grateful that others will appreciate and celebrate the Church’s efforts to preserve and share that history.”
Award criteria
According to Margaret Run, director of the Cleveland Restoration Society’s Conservation Services and Publications, the Cleveland Restoration Society and AIA Cleveland work together to recognize the conservation project at the conservation awards celebration each year.
Nine ju apprentices reviewed the nominations based on the following criteria:
Workplace quality. Risk factors for adherence to recognized conservation standards. Strategic implications for promoting local conservation.
Based on the criteria, Run said the Smith family stands out among many nominations.
“This was a unique nomination in that the house is used as part of a museum that conveys events related to the region’s history and religion,” Ran wrote in an email to the church news.
“The ju apprentice was particularly impressed by the amount of research carried out prior to the reconstruction. This was not easily done in a home almost 200 years ago and has experienced multiple reconstructions. It also enhanced the careful balance of preservation and reconstruction and the careful balance paired with the application of materials that allow the building to perform as a desired tourist destination for the next 100 years.”
The history of Smith Home
Joseph and Emma Smith were in a house that fled from Kirtland, Ohio, due to threats of persecution and violence from late 1833 to 1838. The house was home to Joseph and Emma, and raised the family longer than any other place before his death in 1844.
In addition to being a residence, Smith’s home worked as a centre for the church administration. Joseph met with other church leaders, directed and overseen missionaries, and took part in the construction of the Kirtland Temple. He and Emma also oversaw important church publications in their homes.
Some of the revelation Joseph received at Kirtland came to the house, which includes the current doctrine and preparations for Congregation 109, which are dedicated prayers at Kirtland Temple.
Smith Home Repair
The church acquired Smith’s property in 2012 and conducted extensive archaeological and architectural studies to determine which parts of the structure were original to the home and which parts were added.
Construction to restore the structure to its original appearance began in May 2022.
Elder David A. Bednar, a quorum of the 12 Apostles, dedicated the restored house in August 2023.
Kirtland’s new historic site
The following March, the church acquired Kirtland Temple, along with other historic assets, documents and artifacts from the community of Christ. The temple tour began on March 25th, 2024.
Pykles said more than 33,000 visitors toured the Smith Home in 2024. The tour focuses on the Prophet Joseph. His wife, Emma. And their young family. Visitors will learn about how the couple cared for their families, fellow Latter-day Saints and guests, and Joseph’s efforts to guide the church through revelation at key times in the history of the church. The tour also highlights Emma’s contributions to both her family and the church.
“We hope that Smith Home’s historic site will continue to bless and inspire everyone who visits,” he said.
