The ultimate experience in LDS touring... (click on image below for more information)

Join us for an unforgettable tour of a lifetime!  Hundreds of Latter-day saints have experienced the ultimate in LDS touring and learning, now its YOUR turn!  

These tours offer unique insights into Church history and Book of Mormon history.   Depending on which type of tour you choose, you will visit the sacred sites of early days of the restoration, and/or the proposed Book of Mormon sites of the exciting new Heartland geography model.   These are the most comprehensive and all-inclusive tours available. Rod L. Meldrum has teamed with Legacy Tours and Travel to offer these incredible opportunities to learn about and experience these sacred sites.

New for 2012!  There has been overwhelming response to the comprehensive two week combination tour, however, many latter-day saints have already had the chance to visit the majority of Church history sites and have asked many times if we could offer a couple of tours that concentrates and focuses on the Book of Mormon related sites and would not require a two full week commitment to see them.  We have listened and are for the first time offering two very special tours of the proposed Book of Mormon sites in America's Heartland.  These two 7 day tours utilize the weekends so that only one vacation week would be needed to take off of work!  This should make it much easier for those who are working full time, plus the tour is considerably less expensive due to being less days.  We are very excited to take you to the museums and locations where you can see for yourself the ancient headplates, breastplates, earthen walls and burial mounds of the Hopewell Mound builder civilization that flourished in this sacred land during Book of Mormon time frames. 

 Join our expert hosts on these incredible tours!

Rod Meldrum (Book of Mormon DNA researcher, lecturer and author), Elder Hartman Rector Jr. (Emeritus General Authority), Wayne N. May (publisher of Ancient American Magazine, author) Kay Godfrey (Joseph Smith epoch historian, see his website and biography HERE ), along with travel experts Mark and Jill Clifford.

 Only once or twice in a lifetime does the opportunity arise to create memories that will evoke a warm smile in your heart forever after.  This is what you will experience as you come share in an unforgettable journey that will enhance your perspectives and form new friendships,  while you learn more than you ever  thought possible about Church History, Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon. Welcome aboard your “two tours in one” excursion of a lifetime. You will be among those who experience firsthand the tremendous connections between ‘this land’ and the many histories that have played out upon it in our ‘rolling academy of history’.  

Our Educational Church History and Book of Mormon Tours (and now Israel!) are now scheduled for the following dates in 2012.

May    4 - 14    11 Day Tour of Israel with Rod L. Meldrum & Kay Godfrey!

June   3 - 9       7 Day Tour of Book of Mormon lands with Rod L. Meldrum & Wayne May!

Sept.   2 - 8       7 Day Tour of Book of Mormon lands with Rod L. Meldrum & Wayne May!

Oct.     8 - 20   13 Day Tour of Church History and Book of Mormon lands with Rod L. Meldrum & Kay Godfrey!

 For all the information click HERE or call Legacy Tours and Travel directly at 877-221-5161 (Toll Free) or 801-683-0123

For more than three years the single most requested educational item, to learn more about and share this information, has been a large format, high-quality picture book.  Finally, author and researcher Rod L. Meldrum has created the first 200+ page heirloom quality photographic journey of discovery into the exciting new "Heartland Model" geography!  It is titled Exploring The Book of Mormon In America's Heartland - A Visual Journey of Discovery.

Over 300 stunningly beautiful and informational photographs combine with research, quotes, stories, artifacts, maps and scripture to make this the ultimate book on the Heartland Model. Enjoy some of the book pages by clicking on the PHOTO GALLERY page HERE.

"From Adam-ondi-Ahman to the City of Enoch; from the restoration of the Gospel to building of the New Jerusalem in the latter-days—the “Heartland” of America has been the setting of sacred and significant events throughout human history. This photographic book introduces the growing body of evidence that suggests the very real possibility of a North American setting for The Book of Mormon.

Thirty-six scriptural prophecies and promises alternate between descriptions of the ancient Nephite land and a latter-day “Promised Land.” Following that premise, readers will carefully examine statements by the Prophet Joseph Smith regarding his views on Book of Mormon geography.

Newly emerging scientific information strengthens the assertion that large agrarian societies once flourished in North America at precisely the times of the Jaredite and Nephite cultures. This research, conducted primarily by non-LDS scientists, is revealing a remarkable panorama of culture, achievement and destruction among these ancient peoples. 

The research here compiled spans the scope of archaeology, anthropology, architecture, fortifications, trade, religion, metallurgy, DNA, horticulture, transportation–by sea and by land, geographic topologies, building materials, astronomical alignments, mythology and much more."

This visually compelling new book is only $34.95. Compare with other books of similar quality at $40-$60.  To purchase, go to the BOOKSTORE. 

 The semiannual National Book of Mormon Evidence Conference was held May 13 and 14th at the Tahitian Noni International Visitors Center and Gardens in Provo, Utah.  Many enjoyed lunch under the pavillion in their lush spring gardens. 

Speakers included Rod L. Meldrum, Wayne N. May, Roger K. Young, and Timothy Ballard who presented their latest research and exciting new information. The conference was video recorded and we are in the process of editing and preparing the presentations for distribution on DVD and internet.  Stay tuned for more information about the release of these videos.  They are incredibly powerful new witnesses to the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.         

Due to overwhelming demand, we have brought back this groundbreaking DVD that started it all!  DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography is the powerful introduction to what has become recognized as the "Heartland Model" geography that has caused a "swelling movement" within Church membership.  Over 4 hours of information will help you learn why the Book of Mormon may have occurred right in America's heartland!  Order yours today by going to the Bookstore. 

Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert signed a proclamation declaring the entire month of September 2010 as “Roots of Freedom Month” in honor of George Washington’s statment that one of our nation’s primary objectives should be “the education of our youth in the science of government.”  America’s Freedom Education Week was the fitting culmination of this month’s activities!   

 The finest educators and speakers in our great nation came together on many critically important topics, such as:

* our inspired Founding Fathers

* the establishment of a free nation governed by its people

* the epic bravery of those who fought to retain liberty

* the fundamental importance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights to human freedom

* the role of the United States of America in world history and ancient prophecy

* acknowledgement of God’s hand in the formation of this nation

* the role of Native American’s in its representative form of government

* the critical importance of upholding, honoring and defending these sacred documents

* and how, through education, we can restore honor and patriotism, faith and charity, for a renewed sense of hope for our country!

Included were the most authoritative, powerful and influential leaders and impassioned speakers on these subjects ever assembled into one week-long event!

1.    David Buckner – Glenn Beck's American Revival Tour speaker and nationally recognized Economist of Fox News

2.    Lt. Governor Greg Bell – Lieutenant Governor for the State of Utah

3.    Mike Lee – United States Senatorial Candidate for Republican Party of Utah

4.    Earl Taylor Jr. - President of the National Center for Constitutional Studies

5.    Dr. Glenn Kimber - President of the Thomas Jefferson Center for Constitutional Studies

6.    Howard J. Ruff – Financial Advisor, Author and Economist

7.    Andrew Biggs – Constitutional Attorney, Arizona State Senator – Co-author of Immigration Bill 1070

8.    Scott N. Bradley - Constitutional author and educator, Senatorial Candidate for the Constitution Party

9.    Jerome Horowitz - Constitutional Attorney and author of The Elders of Israel and the Constitution

10.  Scott Swain - President, Roots of Freedom

11.  Rod L. Meldrum - Author and Researcher, co-author of Prophecies and Promises

12.  Jon McNaughton –LDS Artist and painter of One Nation Under God

13.  Chris Stewart – Author of 7 Miracles that Saved America and record setting B1 bomber pilot 

14.  Bill Norton – National Center for Constitutional Studies, Chairman, Constitution Week USA in AZ 

15.  David Allan – Physicist, Constitutional and Religion Educator and writer

16.  Paul Skousen - Constitution Coach and son of Cleon Skousen 

17.  John Bizimana – Rwanda genocide survivor and recent US Citizen

18.  Steve Smoot – Film Producer, Real Estate Developer

19.  Jared Law – Regional Coordinator of the 9.12 project 

20.  Elder Hartman Rector Jr. – Emeritus LDS General Authority

21.  Hans Andersen – Citizen Constitutionalist

22.  G.K. Mangelson – Nationally Acclaimed Educator and Constitutional Speaker

23.  Joel Skousen -  Author, Publisher of World Affairs Brief

24.  Sharon Slater – President, Family Watch International

25.  Gregg Hardy – Colonial Heritage Foundation, Benjamin Franklin actor

The most exciting and comprehensive DVD series on Book of Mormon geography is available after over 2 years of gathering high-definition film footage, conducting interviews, and creating graphics that has taken 8 months of editing to complete.  You will experience this research like never before!  On location explanations, interviews with renowned filmmakers, artists, historians, and experts in several fields.  Over 9 hours of in-depth explanations and presentations that will have you saying like so many thousands of others, "Why didn't I know this before?"  This DVD series is being described as the most powerful evidence for the truthfulness and historicity of the Book of Mormon ever assembled by those who have previewed it. 

The 5 DVD disk series includes:

DVD 1; Prophecies and Promises; Promised Land Correlations with the United States of America

DVD 2; Joseph Smith; Joseph Smith and Book of Mormon Geography

DVD 3; DNA and the Book of Mormon; Rediscovering the Book of Mormon Remnant through DNA

DVD 4; Book of Mormon Correlations; Correlations between the Nephites and the Hopewell Civilization

DVD 5; The Heartland Geography; Mapping the Book of Mormon using the Heartland Geography

Each of the DVD's is approximately an hour an a half in length plus bonus features making them about 2 hours total viewing time per DVD.

You will see interviews with:

Elder Hartman Rector Jr., emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy

Kieth Merrill, award winning filmmaker and writer and director of 'Legacy' and 'The Testaments'

Wayne N. May, author and publisher of Ancient American magazine

Bruce H. Porter Ph.D., author and LDS ancient linguistics scholar, CES director

Kay Godfrey, 30 year Joseph Smith period historian and Church History tour host

David Lindsley, renowned LDS artist and painter of Joseph Smith artwork on the current Church manual

Dr. Robert Fuller, owner of the Zermatt Resort, Midway Utah.

Charles Allen, author of Out of Captivity and Zelph Mound location researcher

Shirley Whitlock, 15 year president of Eagle Forum of AZ, Constitutionalist

James Bradley, foremost expert and author of The Eternal Perspective of Zion's Camp

Jon McNaughton, renowned LDS artist and painter of One Nation Under God

Jason Millward, LDS sculptor, creator of Visions of the Past and The Promised Land sculptures

Michael Bedard, painter of the restoration, Nauvoo, IL

Cal Christensen, long time resident and historian of old Nauvoo

Click on the film frame below to see the introductory trailer to the DVD series

For over three months we have anxiously awaited the re-release of this paradigm shattering documentary film.  With over a dozen mainstream archaeologists, anthropologists, museum directors, geneticists, historians, authors and Native Americans, The Lost Civilizations of North America is an incredibly compelling new film that finally answers the question of why most Americans (and most Mormons) have never heard about the tremendous, highly advanced civilizations that once existed anciently in the 'Heartland' of the North American continent and why information about their origins have been systematically erased from American history.

Take a moment to watch the video trailer and clips from this fundamentally important film to all those interested in learning about all the exciting new evidences for the Book of Mormon as a literal historical record of real people and places. Watch Wednesday's broadcast of Glenn Beck on FOX NEWS referencing this documentary film by clicking HERE.

This hour long film will forever change your view about the strength of the claims of the Book of Mormon relative to where it may have taken place.  Nowhere has this level of evidence been provided by mainstream, non-Mormon scholars from so many diverse fields of expertise as you will find within this extraordinarily well done film.  This is truly the 'must see' film of 2011 for every Book of Mormon believer and skeptic alike!  It has been said that Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church, believed that someday the 'Gentiles' would prove out the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon...could it be that today is that day?  Watch this film and see what you think!

Our new website, www.FIRMLDS.com , dedicated to exploration and research involving the Heartland Model geography is now officially launched!  Over the coming months and years you will find informative articles and news items involving this research.  It is intended to be a more intellectually based information repository, ultimately with thousands of articles and information that will be offered by many authors involving various aspects of this research. 

We are pleased to finally have the site up, so please feel free to explore the site and especially the first of two articles, one on the recent articles from Mormon Times and another regarding the Mississippi River as the Book of Mormon's River Sidon.  Enjoy them both. There will be many more to come!

You will also find hundreds of new testimonials from those who participated in the survey!  We haven't added any testimonials for well over a year, so it is wonderful to have some fresh thoughts about this research, which is now being hailed as a 'movement' within the membership of the Church! 

You may enjoy getting to know some of the many speakers and presenters who have spoken, or who will be speaking at different events sponsored by the FIRM Foundation.  Please visit the 'Events' page to see some of the upcoming events.  More are being added soon, so please keep an eye on it! 

Our 4th Semi-Annual National Book of Mormon Prophecies Conference; A CELEBRATION OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH, sponsored by The FIRM Foundation was held April 1-2, 2010 at the Zermatt Resort and Conference Center in Midway, Utah.  By all accounts, it was a wonderful experience enjoyed by all who attended.  Distinguished speakers included: Elder Hartman Rector Jr, Michael Kennedy, Kimberly Smith and Bryan Davis (all descendants of Joseph Smith), Dr. Robert Fuller (Owner of Zermatt, researcher), Dee Jay Bawden and Jason Millward (LDS sculptors),  Jon McNaughton (LDS painter), Howard Carlos Smith (Joseph Smith sword researcher), Ron L. Andersen (Abraham Lincoln historian), Steven Smoot (Developer and film producer), Doug Brinley (Author and Researcher), Kay Godfrey (Joseph Smith epoch historian), and Rod Meldrum (Author and Researcher).

Rod Meldrum, President, The Foundation for Indigenous Research and Mormonism (The FIRM Foundation)

 LDS artist Jon McNaughton has created many beautiful pieces of art for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he just finished one of the most amazing paintings he has ever done.  One Nation Under God is an incredibly powerful painting about the Christian founding's and heritage of the United States of America.  The scene, depicting Christ holding the inspired Constitution of the United States in his right hand and holding it out to the world, has been the subject of much debate and controversy in the past week or two. Articles both supportive and derogatory have been published in Europe and across the United States.  News channels and liberal and conservative blogs have begun a firestorm of controversy over the symbolism embodied in the marvelous masterpiece.  If you have not seen this incredible painting before you must take time to feel  its message.  An interview and video, which was filmed by Rod Meldrum, has had over 28,000 viewings in just over two weeks! (a 2.5 minute shortened version)  The longer version (about 9 minutes), which includes an introduction by Rod, gives much more information about some of the symbolism of the painting from Jon himself. 

"Some so called experts have implied or concluded that our Founding Fathers and Patriots were not religious.  These secular champions, in an effort to further their own causes, have even painted these great men and women from our history as devoid of religious passions or even a belief in God.  This is part of their strategy to remove any discussion of God from the public forum."          --   Jon McNaughton

Jon is offering a special offer for FIRM Foundation supporters!  If you purchase any prints or giclee' paintings from Jon's  website, simply put in the promotional code FIRMPROMO to receive a 10% discount off of your order!  That's right, just for being involved with the FIRM Foundation you will get this special discount! We have also made arrangements for a special pricing on a 20x30 canvas giclee' painting in a solid wood frame for a very special price.  Click HERE to learn about this masterpiece made especially for our supporters. 

To see the video about this amazing painting click on the PHOTO!  To read about the symbolism, click HERE. To view the INTERACTIVE website where you can scroll over each figure in the painting to find out about each individual, click HERE. See the shortened version HERE.