Ancient Record
Mormon History Related
"During the three years following his First Vision, Joseph felt very humble. Often, he said, 'I . . . Felt condemned for my weakness and imperfections' (Joseph Smith?History 1:29). But he did not lose faith or forget the power of prayer."On September 21, 1823, at the age of 17, he knelt to ask 'for forgiveness of [his] sins and follies, and [to receive] a manifestation . . . Of [his] state and standing before [God]' (Joseph Smith?History 1:29). As he prayed, a light once again appeared, increasing 'until the room was lighter than at noonday' (Joseph Smith?History 1:30). In that light there stood a personage dressed in a robe of 'exquisite whiteness' (Joseph Smith?History 1:31). He called Joseph by name and introduced himself as Moroni. He said 'that God had a work for [Joseph] to do' (Joseph Smith?History 1:33) and told him of an ancient record written on gold plates, which, when translated, became the Book of Mormon. The book contained a record of the fulness of the gospel, as taught to Moroni's ancestors by Jesus Christ. Joseph was directed to obtain that record, buried near his family's home in a nearby hill, which is now called Cumorah."
-- Robert D. Hales, "Receiving a Testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ," Ensign, Nov. 2003, 29
Ancient gold plates in Mesoamerica
Because of Thompson, the Peabody has perhaps the best collection of Mesoamerican artifacts outside of the region. However, because of space and financial issues, most of these objects are not on display but rather archived in the museum's immense storage facilities. Ref. Source 5