Priesthood Restoration Site | LDS History in Susquehanna County, PA
The Priesthood Restoration Site in Oakland Township near Susquehanna is a meaningful Endless Mountains destination where history and faith converge. Operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this historic site preserves the location where Joseph and Emma Smith once lived and where key events in the Church’s early development occurred. Tucked along the banks of the Susquehanna River, this peaceful setting played a central role in the translation of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, a pivotal event believed to have been carried out by John the Baptist.
Visitors can tour reconstructed versions of the Smith Home and the Hale Home, gaining insight into daily life during the 1820s and the spiritual milestones that occurred there. Statues and signage on the grounds honor the significance of the site, while the adjacent Visitors’ Center offers a modern, reflective experience. Through interactive exhibits, a short film, and guided tours, guests can explore both the historical and spiritual context of this sacred land.
The Priesthood Restoration Site welcomes all—whether for quiet contemplation, educational curiosity, or religious pilgrimage—and provides a deeper understanding of the early Latter-day Saint movement and its ties to the landscape of rural Pennsylvania.
Priesthood Restoration Site offers an enriching experience for visitors of all backgrounds seeking to connect with a powerful chapter in American religious history.
