Feb 6, 2025

President Russell M. Nelson has said of family history, “Every human being who comes to this earth is the product of generations of parents. We have a natural yearning to connect with our ancestors.”1

The writings of Wilford Woodruff give us the opportunity to do just that. Reading his records provides insights into the lives and experiences of those who came before us. Each time that I work and read in these Papers, my eyes are opened to the many miracles the Lord has blessed His children with. Other interns like me who have worked with the Project leave with stronger testimonies of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For example, Brittney Condie noted, “Reading from journals others have written allows you to better understand the present. I have had spiritual developments from working on this project that I would have never had working anywhere else.” 

And Kiley Chamberlain said about her experience, “I really felt like this was where the Lord wanted me.”

Each individual who works in the Papers receives unique insights and is touched by different things. Sara Briggs, Research Specialist, said, “Some of my favorite moments were when I read about President Woodruff’s truly human moments, right alongside his gospel teachings.”

Those involved with the Project have gained stronger testimonies because of the stories about real people and their interactions with Wilford Woodruff and the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Kristy Thieme, an intern from BYU–Idaho, shared her insights about one such story: 

I am currently researching Ann Booth, whose vision of the spirit world was recorded by Wilford Woodruff. Her vision took place in 1840, about 78 years before Joseph F. Smith’s vision (now section 138 in the Doctrine and Covenants). As a female, I often find it difficult to see myself in the scriptures. While Ann’s vision is not canon, it does illustrate to me the love the Lord has for all His children equally. It is inspiring to me that the Lord shared this gift with Ann, a woman who may have felt her life was not significant. If the Lord spoke to Ann, then maybe He has things He wants to share with me. Without Wilford Woodruff’s journal, Ann’s experience may have been lost, and with it the inspiration it brings to women like me.

Michael Pulsipher, Research Specialist, recorded his thoughts about another account: 

Wilford Woodruff oversaw the baptism of a man named George Curtis in 1840. George’s wife was baptized soon afterwards. They didn’t emigrate to America right away. Instead, they stayed in England and became actively involved in the local branch there. He wasn’t able to achieve his goal of gathering to Zion; however, several of his friends and family members joined the Church and emigrated to Salt Lake City because of George’s efforts. His efforts were not wasted; he forever impacted those around him. In a similar way, my influence, however small, can also impact those around me for good if I so choose.

What I have learned while working and reading in the Papers has strengthened my testimony of prophets and the Restoration. Learning about Wilford’s trials and setbacks helps me feel like I really know him. When I read his journals, I feel saddened by his challenges and delighted by his accomplishments. I know that we can gain greater charity for those who have gone before us if we are willing to get to know them better, and we can do that by reading their stories.

Spending time with the Project and reading the Papers as an intern, a volunteer, or even just as a visitor to wilfordwoodruffpapers.org is one way that we can fulfill President Nelson’s words and connect with our ancestors.

Carson Andersen is an intern for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project. He was born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and is now a full-time student at Brigham Young University–Idaho studying English. He plans to apply for law school after he graduates in 2025. Carson served as a missionary in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he gained a great love for the gospel. He loves learning more about Wilford Woodruff and his role in the Restoration.

The Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation’s mission is to digitally preserve and publish Wilford Woodruff’s eyewitness account of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and make his records universally accessible in order to inspire all people, especially the rising generation, to study and to increase their faith in Jesus Christ. For more information, please explore wilfordwoodruffpapers.org