Two new developments highlight the Church’s ongoing efforts to celebrate faith, heritage, and the rising generation—one on a national stage and the other in a hands-on experience designed especially for children.
Andy Reid to Join Tabernacle Choir for Historic Anniversary Broadcast
The The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States with a special broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word on Sunday, July 5, 2026, featuring a notable guest narrator: Andy Reid.
Reid, head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs and a three-time Super Bowl champion, will lend his voice to a program centered on unity, perseverance, and faith—principles that have shaped both the American story and individual lives.
Reflecting on his personal connection to early American history, Reid shared:
“I spent more than a decade just down the road from Independence Hall [in Philadelphia], where our Founding Fathers put pen to paper on the Declaration of Independence. They were the ultimate team—facing adversity, staying the course and building something that has endured for 250 years.”
He added that he is honored to participate in a celebration that reflects “the same spirit of unity and faith.”
The broadcast is expected to be a meaningful tribute to America’s founding ideals, combining music, narration, and reflection in the Choir’s signature style.
Salt Lake Temple Exhibit Helps Children “Build” Testimonies
While one event looks outward to national history, another invites families inward—to learn, build, and strengthen faith together.
At the Church History Museum, a new interactive exhibit titled “A Firm Foundation” is now open, offering children and families a hands-on way to explore the history and meaning of the Salt Lake Temple.
Designed especially for younger audiences, the exhibit brings the story of the temple to life through engaging activities and real historical artifacts. The experience highlights both the temple’s original 19th-century construction and its current seismic renovation—underscoring the importance of strong physical and spiritual foundations.
Children can:
- Test structures on an earthquake simulator
- Operate a kid-friendly construction crane
- Build arches and miniature structures
- Create stained glass designs
- Watch an animated film about the temple’s history
The exhibit will remain open through early 2028, giving families ample opportunity to visit.
The hands-on nature of the exhibit leaves a strong impression on young visitors.
“I had a lot of fun building things and testing them,” said one child, describing the excitement of seeing how structures held up under simulated earthquakes.
Parents have also found the experience meaningful.
“That was a powerful way for them to see how important a strong foundation is,” one mother shared. “It connects so clearly to what we teach about building our lives on Jesus Christ.”
The exhibit also features significant historical items, including:
- A trumpet from the Angel Moroni statue that fell during the 2020 earthquake
- A cane believed to have been used by Brigham Young to mark the temple site in 1847
These artifacts help connect children to the sacred history of the temple while reinforcing a central message: while the building is remarkable, what matters most is the sacred work performed inside.
