Hughes, Sydney

The History of the Nauvoo Music and Concert Hall (1845-6)

Faculty Mentor: Darrell Babidge, College of Fine Arts

Introduction

Darrell and I have worked together on the article “The History of the Nauvoo Music and Concert
Hall (1845-6),” the first written history of the Nauvoo music and concert hall to date. We
originally planned to have it published in the fall edition of BYU Studies, but are still working through some research options before we submit it for publication this coming year (2017). It
was a pleasure working with Darrell, and we have immensely appreciated the help of Jennifer
Hurlbut of BYU Studies, as well as Benjamin Pykles and Ryan Saltzgiver of the Church History
Library, and Joseph Johnstun, Nauvoo historian, to ensure historical accuracy and easy
readability for the article.

Methodology and Results

In order to check all of the facts that Darrell had previously collected for this article, I was able
to go to the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City multiple times. I was able to double check
each of Darrell’s sources, to ensure that each was cited correctly. We read and reread the article
separately and together, until we felt that it read well and that as many facts as possible were
included. I was also fortunate enough to meet with Benjamin Pykles and Ryan Saltzgiver at the
Church History Library to discuss different tools I might use and areas I might research to
improve the article. In November, I was able to meet with Jennifer Hurlbut, Senior Editor of the
BYU Studies staff. She read through our article, reviewed our bibliography, and gave me tips on
how to increase our chances of being published. She suggested that I have someone at the
Church History Library review the article, so that when we submit, we are able to state that all of
our information is accurate and has been verified by a Church historian. This appointment led me
back to Benjamin Pykles. I am currently in the process of having the article reviewed one last
time by Mr. Pykles, and will be sending it to his acquaintance, Joseph Johnstun, to review in
mid-January. After Mr. Johnstun reviews the article, I will make any changes necessary and we
will submit the article to the board of BYU Studies for consideration of publication.

Discussion and Conclusion

Once published, this article will be the first written history of the Nauvoo Music and Concert
Hall. Though it was only in use from 1845-6, it was vitally important to the Saints at Nauvoo,
and Darrell and I hope that it will receive the recognition and respect that it deserves through our
writing. We hope that it will become a more accessible part of the conversation regarding
Nauvoo history, and that the article will bring the BYU Studies staff and readership great joy and
success.