The spiritual foundation for the Church's historical sites rests upon the heavenly manifestations received by the Prophet Joseph Smith, said Elder John K. Carmack of the Seventy and executive director of the Historical Department.

Elder Carmack addressed a group of historic sites directors Feb. 10 in the Church's Museum of Church History and Art. His address was part of the annual seminar for directors of visitors centers and historic sites held in Provo and Salt Lake City Feb. 8-12.

"The history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints begins with Joseph Smith," said Elder Carmack. "Why? Because he was called, selected and prepared to be the Prophet of the Restoration. So when we are talking about a foundation, we are talking about the foundation of Joseph Smith.

"You can't separate Joseph from his visions," he said. "These start with the First Vision, and continue with Moroni and the golden plates, and the other heavenly visitors bringing the priesthood and so forth." Scripture establishes that Joseph Smith is the restorer of the gospel in this dispensation, he explained. Joseph Smith, the authorized successor to the Savior and His apostles, laid the foundation of the Restoration, was faithful, and sealed his testimony with his blood. (D&C 136:34-39.)

Elder Carmack said Joseph Smith's spiritual manifestations connected him and the Church he organized with the guiding forces of the universe, with "our Father, God; His son, Jesus Christ; angels; priesthood; power; and revelation.

"Especially do these events connect Joseph and us to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

He quoted Acts 3:19-21, which he described as "the prophecy of an era of restoration to come."

Elder Carmack outlined some of the events and developments of the "era of the Restoration." Among these were the First Vision, the reception and translation of the golden plates, the restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods, the organization of the Church, the building of the Kirtland Temple and restoration of the keys, the revelations on the offices of the Church, the gathering in Missouri, restoration of the temple ordinances, and the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

Since that time, Elder Carmack said, the Church has continued to receive revelation and guidance in such things as the establishment of leadership succession, the trek west, the gospel being taken to all the world, the expansion of the Church, the extension of the priesthood to all worthy males, and the creation of the Quorums of the Seventies.

"What is important for you to understand is that these things happened in real places, in the near past. Places and things still exist that remind us of these foundational things that let us see and feel. And the spirit is still there; thus visitors can personally experience these sacred events and strengthen their testimonies of the Restoration in profound and sensory ways."

He said that non-member visitors to Church historic sites may catch a glimpse of what "is sacred and profound to us."

These "sacred places" form a kind of expanded museum for members and visitors, said Elder Carmack. At these sites, "we introduce visitors to the message of the restored gospel, and you [directors] will be involved in that story. In all that we do, we remember the faith, the principles that formed the foundation of every era of the Restoration, and we remember the real story behind our calling to labor in special places all over.

"The message, the faith and courage, the doctrine, the events, the geographical places, the artifacts — they are all part of the story of the Restoration."

He added that "more and more people are trying to find out who they are and what happened in the past, and we tap into [this seeking], and we share our testimonies with people from all walks of life."

Elder Carmack concluded his address by expressing his belief that "I think God has preserved these places. The Church could have removed itself into Cleveland instead of Kirtland, and we wouldn't have anything. It seems like these [historic] places have been preserved. Why? So that we can reach out and touch them and feel the spirit of the restoration of the gospel.

"This is a marvelous opportunity that we have. We have a great stewardship, a trusteeship, and you [directors] will be the point people to see that our members and others touch and feel, and gain that spirit."