New Video Series Aims to Dispel Myths About Brigham Young’s Legacy

A team of prominent Latter-day Saint historians has launched an ambitious new documentary series aimed at countering misconceptions about Brigham Young, particularly addressing online conspiracy theories claiming he was involved in Joseph Smith’s death.

The series, titled “Becoming Brigham,” debuted its first 12-minute episode, “Who Killed Joseph Smith,” which directly addresses these unfounded allegations. With more than 40 episodes already filmed, the producers plan to release new installments weekly on Mondays through YouTube and their dedicated website, BecomingBrigham.com.

“I do think that Brigham Young fundamentally at the core of his soul wanted people to flourish,” said Lisa Olsen Tait, a contributor to the series and former member of the Church History Department. “The way that would happen was by embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I kind of like Brigham Young, actually. I think he’s very down-to-earth. I think he’s very human.”

Daniel Peterson, president of the Interpreter Foundation, explained that the series intends to present an accurate portrayal of Brigham Young’s character. Each episode systematically refutes fictions and caricatures of “Brother Brigham,” who is also known historically as the American Moses for his role in leading Mormon pioneers to Utah.

The project boasts an impressive roster of scholarly contributors, including Ronald Esplin, former managing editor of the Joseph Smith Papers project; Reid L. Neilson, BYU’s assistant academic vice president for religious scholarly publications; and Gerrit Dirkmaat, an associate professor of church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University.

Other notable historians involved include Thomas G. Alexander, James B. Allen, Susan Easton Black, LaJean Carruth, Matt Godfrey, Casey Griffiths, Brittany Nash, and Brent Rogers—all respected figures in Latter-day Saint historical scholarship.

The series is hosted by John Wilson, who portrayed Brigham Young in the film “Six Days in August,” and Camrey Fox, who played Emma Smith in the same production.

The timing of this documentary series reflects growing concern among church scholars about historical misinformation spreading through social media and online forums. By leveraging video storytelling and academic expertise, the creators hope to reach audiences who might otherwise be influenced by unsubstantiated claims.

Brigham Young remains one of the most consequential figures in American religious history, having succeeded Joseph Smith as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following Smith’s assassination in 1844. Young subsequently led the Mormon migration to the Salt Lake Valley and oversaw the establishment of settlements throughout the intermountain west.

While celebrated for his organizational abilities and leadership during a crucial period of the church’s development, Young’s legacy has also been the subject of ongoing historical reassessment regarding his policies toward Native Americans, his implementation of controversial theological doctrines, and his relationship with other early church leaders.

The documentary series appears designed to address both longstanding historical questions and more recent conspiracy theories, providing viewers with context and evidence-based perspectives on Young’s life and leadership.

For those interested in the visual representation of the church leader, several rare daguerreotypes of Brigham Young exist, including a notable image from 1850 housed in the Marriott Library at the University of Utah, providing a glimpse into the physical appearance of this historical figure who shaped the religious landscape of the American West.

The “Becoming Brigham” series represents a significant effort by church-affiliated historians to engage directly with public perceptions and misconceptions about their faith’s history, utilizing modern media to present historical scholarship in an accessible format.