Whitney Home

Although heavily remodeled, the structure of the original Whitney family home is basically intact and has been authentically restored both inside and out. Many of the furnishings in the restored Whitney home are antiques, but occasionally carefully crafted reproductions are used. One chair in the home actually belonged to the Whitney family.

The summer kitchen, which can be shut off from the main home with a door, was a beehive of activity during the summer months. It was here that Ann and her Aunt Sarah spent many hours preparing and preserving produce from their garden for winter use.

Moving through the hall-style pantry into the main kitchen, one can see and learn of the many activities that occupied the home life of Newell, Ann, Aunt Sarah and the children.

A few weeks after the missionaries arrived in Kirtland, the Whitney’s were baptized. In early February of 1831 when the Prophet Joseph Smith and his wife Emma arrived in Kirtland, the Whitney’s offered them the use of their own bedroom and they slept in the loft with their children.

During the first few weeks that the Prophet Joseph was in Kirtland, the parlor was used as his office and headquarters for the restored church. Many general church meetings were also held in the Whitney home. While staying in this comfortable home, the Prophet Joseph continued to receive revelations concerning the restoration of God's Church and the gathering of the saints.

This special home is a "must see" spot in Historic Kirtland.