For the eleventh time since its original meeting in 2003, the Book of Mormon Archaeological Forum (BMAF) will convene its Book of Mormon Lands Conference on Saturday October 19th at 9:00 AM.  Recent conferences have been held in Salt Lake City but this year the venue will be the new Utah Valley Convention Center at 222 West Center Street in Provo.  

Featured talks will include Daniel Peterson “Two Books From Angels: Comparing the Qur’an and The Book of Mormon”. and Mark Alan Wright “The Future of Book of Mormon Studies”.

The conference will also feature presentations by F. Richard Hauck, Elder Clate W. Mask, Royal J. Skousen  and other notable scholars, archaeologists, and explorers.  Two of the original founders of FARMS John Welch and Kirk Magleby will give “Part Two” of their humorous discussion of the timeline of Book of Mormon scholarship that was so popular last year.  For details see the program flyer at www.BMAF.org .

Archaeologist V. Garth Norman and his wife Cheryl will be honored during lunch with the annual BMAF “Father Lehi and Mother Sariah” award for lifetime service to the study of Book of Mormon lands and its peoples.

 The BMAF comprises a large number of notable LDS scholars and archaeologists who identify Mesoamerica  (Mexico and Central America) as the historical location of the events of the Book of Mormon.  In recent years new discoveries have been made that confirm and support the archaeological and historical Mesoamerican context for the Book of Mormon.  The BMAF is a clearinghouse and forum for sharing these discoveries with the public.  

 The $60 full-day conference fee includes the awards luncheon.  It can be paid at the door beginning at 7:30 AM, but attendees are urged to save $10.00 by registering in advance online at www.BMAF.org as seating is limited.  This year students with a valid I.D. are invited to attend and sit in a special section for $10.00 (lunch is not provided with student admission).

Plans are under investigation to also possibly stream the October 19th conference over the internet.  Check the BMAF website www.BMAF.org for updates.