Summer Vacation News for LDS Travelers
The summer of 2005 is a great time to take a family vacation to Church historical sites. Although trips to amusement parks are fun, visiting Sharon, Palmyra, Kirtland, Nauvoo, Liberty, or any of the many other historical areas will have a much more lasting impact on you and your family. Imagine visiting the site of the Prophet’s birth, walking in the Sacred Grove, standing on the banks of the Susquehanna River, gazing up at the Nauvoo Temple, or reliving the last moments of the Prophet’s life inside the Carthage Jail!
To help you calendar and plan your family trip, we want to update you with some of the latest dates and changes:
The Hill Cumorah Pageant – This high technology, multi-tiered production with a cast of more than 700 costumed performers will take place on the hillside just to the right of the Palmyra Visitors’ Center. The pageant is scheduled for July 8th, 9th, and 12th thru 16th. The production begins at 9:00 p.m. (starts filling by 7:00) and is free to the public. Tickets are not required. For additional information, visit www.hillcumorah.com or call 315-597-5851.
The Nauvoo Pageant – Premiering in 2005, the Nauvoo Pageant will be held from July 8 thru August 5 (no Sunday or Monday performances). Using the Nauvoo Temple as a backdrop, the pageant commemorates the 200th birthday of the Prophet Joseph Smith. The performance begins at sundown (about 8:45), and admission is free. It is yet to be determined if tickets will be required. For additional information, visit www.historicnauvoo.net or call 888-453-6434.
The Tunbridge Village Store – The Tunbridge Village Store in Tunbridge, Vermont, is now closed. Originally called the “Mack and Mudget Store,” it was owned by Stephen Mack, the brother of Lucy Mack Smith. Indeed, Lucy Mack Smith once worked at this store before it was purchased by her brother and his business partner, John Mudget. It was here that Lucy first met her future husband, Joseph Smith Sr. You can still drive by to see the store, which is located at 302 Route 110, but unfortunately you can no longer go inside.
This is Kirtland! – This hour-long live production explains the role of the Church in Ohio‘s history through a musical/theatrical format. It will be performed from June 30 thru July 23 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Kirtland Stake Center, which is located at 8751 Kirtland Road. Admission is free but seating is limited. For groups of 20 or more, or for questions, contact the Kirtland LDS Visitors’ Center at 440-256-9805.
The Independence Visitors’ Center – The LDS Visitors’ Center, located at 937 West Walnut Street in Independence, Missouri, is now closed for remodeling. Though no specific date has been given for reopening, we suggest you check in the fall for updated information. Though the center is closed, there are still many important sites to see in this area. For a free tourism packet, contact the Independence tourism department at 800-748-7323. When requesting the packet, make sure you ask for information on LDS sites as well as historical sites. Additional information is also available at the Historic Liberty Jail Visitors’ Center, located just 13 miles north of Independence.
As you travel in the Independence/Liberty area, consider stopping at nearby Richmond. There are several sites of interest here, all in close proximity.
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