36th Annual JWHA Conference, September 25-28, 2008

"1844-1859: A Time of Transition" is the theme for the 36th Annual JWHA Conference, September 25-28, 2008 in Voree (Burlington), Wisconsin.

The years 1844-1859 were a period of turmoil, division, transition, change and renewal for the Latter Day Saint movement. Still mourning the death of their prophet, Latter Day Saints were divided over the claims of his competing successors. In many cases families split apart, as one brother followed Sidney Rigdon east, and another followed Brigham Young west.

During this time period, James J. Strang quickly emerged as the movement’s most successful leader after Brigham Young. Strang organized the headquarters of his church outside the town of Burlington in the Wisconsin Territory, founding a new stake called "Voree." This will be the site of our 2008 conference, as we attempt to shine the spotlight on this important period in the movement’s history.