Church Accepts Locket Containing Possible Joseph Smith Daguerreotype

Church Accepts Locket Containing Possible Joseph Smith Daguerreotype

June 6, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has formally accepted a donated locket containing a daguerreotype that some believe may be a photograph of the Church’s founding Prophet, Joseph Smith. While no confirmed photograph of the Prophet exists, the acquisition marks a significant addition to the Church’s historical archives.

Historical Context and Discovery

The daguerreotype, an early photographic process introduced by Louis Daguerre in 1839, was discovered inside a pocket watch locket that had remained closed for decades. The discovery was brought to public attention by the John Whitmer Historical Association in July 2022.

From Instagram — related to Joseph Smith, Louis Daguerre

Daniel Larsen, a descendant of Joseph Smith, found the image after successfully opening the locket in 2020. The item had been part of a collection of family heirlooms inherited from his mother, Lois Smith Larsen, prior to her death in 1992.

Did You Know? The daguerreotype—the first photographic process available to the public—was announced by Louis Daguerre in 1839, just five years before the death of Joseph Smith in 1844.

Institutional Stance

In a statement released on June 4, the Church confirmed the acceptance of the donation. The institution noted that while the locket is reported to be from the 1840s, it cannot draw a definitive conclusion regarding the identity of the person captured in the daguerreotype.

The Church emphasized that this artifact joins an extensive collection intended to encourage the study of the life and ministry of Joseph Smith. Visitors are invited to review the item through the Church History Catalog.

Expert Insight: The acquisition reflects the complex intersection of historical preservation and institutional caution. By cataloging the item while maintaining a neutral stance on the identity of the subject, the Church preserves a potential piece of its history without validating unconfirmed claims, thereby leaving the door open for future technological or historical verification.

Future Implications

As the locket is now held within the Church’s historical archives, It’s likely that researchers and historians will continue to analyze the image. Future advancements in photographic analysis or historical documentation could potentially provide more clarity regarding the identity of the man in the daguerreotype.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who discovered the locket?
The locket was discovered by Daniel Larsen, the great-great-grandson of Joseph Smith, who found the image inside a pocket watch in 2020.

Has the Church confirmed the image is of Joseph Smith?
No. The Church has stated that it cannot draw a conclusion about who is pictured in the daguerreotype.

Where can more information be found?
The Church invites individuals to learn more about its collection of artifacts by visiting the Church History Catalog.

What significance do you place on the preservation of potential historical artifacts, even when their identity remains unconfirmed?

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