Newel K. Whitney Store

In 1826, Newel K. Whitney purchased land in Kirtland, Ohio, to build a store across from his home. Newel ran the store with his friend and business partner, Sidney Gilbert. The two merchants sold a variety of goods, most of which were likely shipped to Kirtland via Lake Erie. The Newel K. Whitney Store was also home to the town’s early post office. After the Saints’ arrival in 1831, the store became a place of meeting and revelation.

On February 4, 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith and his pregnant wife, Emma, arrived in Kirtland at the Newel K. Whitney Store. They were warmly received by the Whitneys and, two years later, a portion of the Newel K. Whitney Store was transformed into a home for the Prophet and his family. The upper level of the store became a place of revelation and was the Church’s headquarters in Kirtland for a time. Joseph Smith completed his inspired translation of the Bible while living in the store in July 1833. The School of the Prophets was held in a room on the second floor. In this setting, Joseph Smith ordained two men to serve as counselors to him in the First Presidency and many of those present saw a heavenly vision of the Savior. Among the significant revelations Joseph received in the Newel K. Whitney Store was the Word of Wisdom (Doctrine and Covenants 89) after Joseph Smith inquired to the Lord about the men using tobacco during meetings.

The restored Newel K. Whitney Store is now part of the Historic Kirtland tour.

Read more about the Newel K. Whitney Store in chapter 15 of Saints, volume 1.

360° Walkthrough

What to Expect

The Newel K. Whitney Store is part of a guided tour of Historic Kirtland given by missionaries. The tour begins in the Historic Kirtland Visitors’ Center and includes the Newel K. Whitney Store and the Whitney home; it may also include the Johnson Inn, the Whitney ashery, and the sawmill upon request.