Overview
This module examines the long-term legacy and impact of Palmyra’s historical events, particularly focusing on the 1800s and the early Mormon movement. It explores how these historical developments have influenced contemporary religious, cultural, and academic landscapes.
Objectives
- Analyze the enduring influence of the 1800s events in Palmyra on modern Mormonism and other cultural phenomena.
- Understand the role of historical memory and its shaping by both proponents and critics of the events.
- Evaluate the impacts of these historical legacies on local and global scales.
- Foster an appreciation for the complexities of historical interpretation and the role of history in contemporary society.
Lessons
Lesson 1: The Mormon Church Today
- Topics Covered: The growth and development of the Mormon Church from its early days in Palmyra to its current status as a global religion.
- Activities: A presentation on the growth metrics of the church, major milestones, and its current global presence.
Lesson 2: Historical Sites and Tourism
- Topics Covered: The transformation of Palmyra into a site of historical pilgrimage and tourism, including the restoration of historical sites and the annual Hill Cumorah Pageant.
- Activities: Virtual tour of Palmyra’s historical sites and an analysis of the economic and cultural impacts of tourism on the local community.
Lesson 3: Scholarly Research and Debates
- Topics Covered: Ongoing academic research into the origins and early years of the Mormon movement, including debates over its historical narratives.
- Activities: Critical review session where students assess recent scholarly articles and debates on early Mormon history.
Lesson 4: Media Representation and Public Perception
- Topics Covered: The portrayal of early Mormon history in media and popular culture, including films, books, and articles.
- Activities: Media analysis project where students examine different portrayals and discuss their accuracy and impact on public perception.
Lesson 5: The Role of Historical Memory
- Topics Covered: How events are remembered and taught, including the role of memorials, museums, and education in shaping collective memory.
- Activities: Group project to design a museum exhibit or educational program that accurately represents the historical complexities of Palmyra.
Assessments
- Participation in presentations, virtual tours, and review sessions.
- A reflective essay on the personal or societal impact of learning about historical events like those in Palmyra.
- Media analysis project presentation, evaluating the influence of cultural portrayals on historical understanding.
Materials and Resources
- Access to online databases and libraries for scholarly articles.
- Multimedia resources for virtual tours and historical documentaries.
- Examples of media portrayals (films, books, documentaries).
Instructor Notes
- Encourage students to think critically about the ways history is used and manipulated in various contexts.
- Support discussions that connect historical events to modern issues and challenges.
- Provide a balanced array of resources that show multiple perspectives on the Mormon Church’s history and its cultural implications.
This module aims to provide students with a nuanced understanding of how historical events can continue to affect the present day, emphasizing the importance of historical memory and cultural legacy in shaping contemporary society.