Home >> Annual Meetings >> Reflections on the 2005 Conference
Ken Mulliken |
Mark Twain once wrote, "History doesn’t repeat itself but it does rhyme." There are no exact replications of history, but one can draw from the past applicable analogies to current events. Comparison and contrast are the tools for determining similarities and patterns. I could not help but compare and contrast this year’s John Whitmer Historical Association Conference (JWHA) to those of the past.
Each year, as JWHA members meet for the annual conference there is a similarity in the gathering. Friends renew bonds of camaraderie and scholars exchange ideas that invigorate and renew their devotion to the discipline of history and broaden their intellectual understandings. There were certain obvious similarities between this year’s conference in Springfield, Illinois and gatherings in previous years. The structure of the sessions was essentially the same, and many of the diverse presentations focused on familiar topics. Of course there was the ever-present indecision on which session to attend, which is a quandary at every conference.
Contrasts were clearly evident as well. The venue was significantly more upscale than many of the locations hosting our conferences in the past. The President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, the Prairie Capital Convention Center, the First Presbyterian Church, New Salem State Historic Site, and Fulgenzi’s all contributed to a sense of professionalism that I believe the John Whitmer Historical Association deserves. Adding to the sense of professionalism, John Hamer’s graphic-design skills have significantly improved the appearance of the conference program and attracted the advertising of several organizations and vendors. John’s work on the cover design of the JWHA Journal raised the image of the Journal significantly and matched the excellent editing Pat Spillman provided, including the twenty-five year index.
Springfield afforded an excellent opportunity to explore history through the Old State Capitol, Lincoln Home, and New Salem. While there was less Restoration-related history, I was interested to learn of a trial of Joseph Smith that took place in what is now the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office. Anyone who failed to visit the Lincoln Presidential Museum missed out on an incredible experience; that one attraction made Springfield worth the trip. We even enjoyed a classic automobile show in the streets surrounding the hotel.
The Springfield Conference presented many other comparisons and contrasts worthy of acknowledgement. At Thursday evening’s McMurrin Lecture, Professor Ronald Numbers contrasted Joseph Smith with Ellen G. White and Mary Baker Eddy. Friday’s Senior Scholar Lecture featured Professor Richard Bushman’s comparison of Joseph Smith and Abraham Lincoln. Friday evening’s "Dinner With a Film Maker," was a form of comparison as Richard Dutcher contrasted his experience of portraying historical "truth" through film with the apologetic or distorted representations depicted by others. On a personal level, for this dinner, I found my self sitting at a table full of Strangites, which was a contrast from my usual LDS/Community of Christ and was equally enjoyable to the lecture itself.
There were two highlights for me. One was participating in the session on Saturday morning with Steve Olsen and Phil Barlow focused on "Mormon Religious Identity." The other highlight was Sunday morning’s Round Table Discussion at the Community of Christ Church focused on the contrast between the 2004-5 Community of Christ leadership transition and the previous transitions within that organization’s history. Although not a highlight, I must also say that the food was exceptionally good this year. I think without exception each meal exceeded my expectations.
When I accepted the position of Executive Secretary of the John Whitmer Historical Association in 2003, I had not yet accepted full-time employment at the University of Saint Mary. I had not yet started teaching Nauvoo history to the Graceland University summer interns. I had not yet agreed to teach Community of Christ History for the Graceland University/Community of Christ Seminary. Among these and several other duties, I realized that no matter how hard I tried I could not serve adequately in the position of JWHA Executive Secretary. To try to do so would seriously compromise the quality of service JWHA members would receive. This is why I resigned my position. So, next year will also be a conference of contrast for me because I will actually be able to enjoy the conference and not worry as much about issues such as nametag holders, and the temperature of the conference rooms, and the number of vegetarian meals.
I had big shoes to fill when I replaced Norm Bernauer. He trained me well and any success I enjoyed in the position of Executive Secretary should be credited to his instruction and support. In this role, I have had the great pleasure of becoming acquainted with many of the best and brightest scholars alive today. You are all my friends. I pass the responsibility to a team of bright and talented men, John Hamer and Mike Karpowicz. I know they have the talent, skills, abilities, and enthusiasm to take John Whitmer Historical Association to a new level. I warned John and Mike that title of Executive Secretary is actually a clever pseudonym for "Head Worker Bees." Since they did not balk, but willingly took on the new duties, I am confident that they will do a fantastic job.
This year’s conference will always be memorable for me. Next year’s conference promises to be even better. I hope you will join me in 2006 at Camp Doniphan!
Ken Mulliken
Executive Secretary (2003-2005)
John Whitmer Historical Association
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