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The Church History Library presents Treasures of the Collection, an open house featuring presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This event will showcase various items from the lives of the church presidents and will run from September 26 to October 11, 2013.

Each president of the Church has left a legacy of faith. This exhibit will display documents, artifacts, information and photographs that provide glimpses into the lives and work of these men. Items from every Church president will be displayed including treasures ranging from their young lives to leading up to their presidency of the Church.

In addition to directing the daily affairs of the Church, these presidents have dealt with mob violence, colonizing the Mountain West, political and social issues, the finances of the Church, two world wars, missionary work, temple building and an expanding worldwide Church. Along with leading the Church, traveling the globe to visit members and world leaders and being honored by various institutions, they were also husbands and fathers who dearly loved their families.

Participants can enjoy viewing many treasures of great historic value, which aren’t usually displayed publically. One highlight of the exhibit will be a facsimile of the printing plates from the Book of Abraham. There will be three printing plates, which are from the 1842 printing of the Book of Abraham in the Times and Seasons. Another rare item that will be displayed will be a photograph of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1866. Pictured in this photograph is President Brigham Young and four future Presidents- John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow and Joseph F. Smith.

Several of the items in the exhibit have fascinating stories behind them. One of which is Joseph F. Smith’s ministerial license from his mission to Hawaii. In June of 1856, Joseph F. Smith and his missionary companion’s lodging caught fire. Almost everything they owned was destroyed: clothing, family photographs, personal papers and journals. The license was folded inside his Book of Mormon during the fire. Although burned around the edges, the main body of the text survived.

The Church History Library invites all to come learn more about the Presidents of the Church. There will be a brochure given to guide visitors and offer further information of the items displayed in the collection.

The Treasures of the Collection will be on display at the Church History Library located at 15 East North Temple in downtown Salt Lake City. Open house hours are Monday through Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public.