The History of the Saints: Gathering to the West is a television documentary series produced by Dennis Lyman and Glenn Rawson. It focuses on the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members following the death of Joseph Smith. This includes the story of the Mormon Pioneers as they left behind Nauvoo, Illinois and traveled along the Mormon Trail to Utah.
Seasons & Episode
On June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were shot and killed in an attack inside the jailhouse at Carthage, Illinois. This episode discusses the martyrdom and the events leading up to it, including the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor. Scholars interviewed include: Kenneth W. Godfrey, Jeffery N. Walker
Following the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, many enemies of the Church hoped its members would disband, and the Church disintegrate. This episode discusses how people, both in and out of the Church, reacted to the murders, along with the funeral of Joseph Smith, and how the trial of the accused killers played out. Scholars interviewed include: Kenneth W. Godfrey, Dean C. Jessee, Jeffery N. Walker.
This episode tells the story of the momentous days and weeks immediately after the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith. Critical decisions were made and dramas played out that set the course of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for generations to come. Scholars interviewed include: Richard E. Bennett, William G. Hartley, Glen M. Leonard, Ronald K. Esplin, Susan Easton Black, Susan Sessions Rugh.
By the summer of 1845 the time of Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois was coming to a close. Persecution and public opinion were mounting against them. They would have to leave. Where would they go and by what miracle would they get there? This episode tells the story of the last days of Nauvoo. Scholars interviewed include: Richard E. Bennett, William G. Hartley, Glen M. Leonard, Ronald K. Esplin, Susan Easton Black, Susan Sessions Rugh, Fred E. Woods.