The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unveiled a new interactive history exhibit today designed specifically for families.
“The Book of Mormon exhibit represents a higher caliber exhibit than we’ve ever done before,” said D. Kurt Graham, Church History Museum director. “It is the first step in reimagining the museum.”
A Book of Mormon Fiesta: A Latin American Celebration celebrates the rich Latin heritage within the Church and portrays stories of faithful Latin American Saints. The exhibit is divided into three interactive sections where children and adults can understand and appreciate the inspiring stories of Latin American members of the Church.
The first section, “Learn Truths,” depicts stories of ancient prophets found in the Book of Mormon. “Each activity station represents a lesson that can be found in the Book of Mormon,” said Angela Ames, Church history educator.
The second section, “Share Truths,” is a replica of a Latin American home and encourages visitors to share Church teachings with others. Children can interact with a pretend chicken coop and a Latin American garden.
The third section, “Live Truths,” re-creates a Latin American plaza with specific areas depicting inspiring stories of modern-day Latin American Saints. Here, children can enjoy Latin American music, dress up in traditional costumes and learn traditional dance steps. Interactive elements throughout the exhibit utilize state-of-the-art technology.
“In addition to teaching gospel principles to children, these exhibits are about introducing them to the purpose and mission of a museum as well,” said Graham.
A second interactive exhibit also opened. The Gospel Blesses My Life features art created by children from around the world. Through art, children between the ages of 5 and 12 from 42 countries share how knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ blesses their lives.
Following a worldwide call for submissions, the museum received 1,710 entries and selected about 250 for display. Many of the remaining entries can be viewed on digital screens as part of the exhibit. This artwork will also be featured on the Friend magazine’s website at friend.lds.org.
The Gospel Blesses My Life continues through 16 January 2011, while A Book of Mormon Fiesta: A Latin American Celebrationwill remain at the museum well into the future.
The Church History Museum is located at 45 North West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah, and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, visit the museum’s website at churchhistorymuseum.org.