Ariel L. Crowley papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0072

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Ariel L. Crowley papers (1934-1946) contain two articles, "Aurichalcum" and "Metal Record Plates in Ancient Times." Both articles pertain to the legitimacy of the "golden plates" translated by Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), to create the Book of Mormon. The article "Metal Record Plates in Ancient Times," is a documented compilation of material gathered from traditional sources (including the Secrets of Enoch, the Book of Jubilees, and the Testament of Levi); archaeological evidence of engraved metal plates (citing those of the Romans, Greeks, Hittites, and Israelites); and from Biblical references to the existence and engraving of various records on metal plates. In the article, Crowley draws a comparison between these ancient plates and the plates from which the Book of Mormon was purportedly transcribed, concluding that those plates were ancient Israelite records preserved and transported to North America.

Dates

1934-1946

Creator

Crowley, Ariel L., 1905-2005 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical / Historical

Ariel L. Crowley (1905-2005) lived in Idaho where he was a judge. He was also an amateur LDS Church historian and he wrote for the Improvement Era an LDS Church publication.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet (2 folders)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Ariel L. Crowley papers (1934-1946) contain two articles, "Aurichalcum" and "Metal record plates in ancient times," both pertaining to the legitimacy of the "golden plates" which Joseph Smith claimed to have translated. Crowley (1905-2005) lived in Idaho, where he was a judge. He was also an amateur LDS Church historian and wrote for the Improvement Era, an LDS Church publication.