In this fascinating interview, Christopher C. Smith discusses the history of Book of Mormon archaeology and challenges the narrative that it was solely the work of educated, white, upper-middle-class professionals. He argues that the contributions of charismatic figures from the social periphery, who relied on revelation and religious texts rather than formal training, have been overlooked and relegated to the realm of folklore.

Read Smith’s piece here: A People’s History of Book of Mormon Archeology: Excavating the Role of “Folk” Practitioners in the Emergence of a Field