Before the conference began, we celebrated the largest JI gathering to date. While we are still missing a number from this group photo, this should still be enough to prove to our readers that we are, indeed, real.

The purpose of our pre-conference gathering was a private tour of the Church History Library, led by our own Robin Jensen.

Our first stop was in the Preservation and Conseration Lab, where they dunk 1830 Books of Mormon in water.

Rob then showed us some very, very cool documents. I don’t remember what this was, but, as I said, it must have been cool.

Like, you know, the earliest extant manuscript of D&C 132.

As well as NAME’s personal copy of the Book of Commandments.

And old board games!

While most JIers were hangin’ with each other, Andrea was hangin’ out with cool people like Kathryn Daynes and Gary Bergera on the polygtour.

Amanda HK presenting on the growth of a global modesty culture in the mid-20th century juxtaposed with dress at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Ben P on socal and religious reform in the mid-19th Century.

Jordan Watkins, theoretically a member of JI, speaking on the uses and understandings of history in debates over polygamy.

Nate R delivering a paper on Joseph F. Smith’s experiences with non-Mormon relatives in England.

Christopher J chairing the excellent session on Mormonism and race.

Max explores the boundaries between public and private space at Temple Square.

JI’s good friend Ed Blum exploring how Mormons interpreted the Civil War.

Cristine HJ demonstrates the evolving image of the Mormon pioneer in the 20th century.

A closer shot of Crissy dishin’ wisdom.

JI did very well at the Awards Dinner, too, the least of which being Ben P receiving a certificate for most time wasted on facebook.

Christopher came away with the Best Article Award. I’m pretty sure this is the first time that has ever gone to a graduate student. Hoorah!

Joey Stuart became the fifth, I think, JIer to be able to claim best undergraduate paper.

Two Crhistopher Joneses won awards this year: ours, found in the back row, as well as the very kind benefactor who has done much for the field. Thank goodness for this royal lineage!

Spencer Fluhman, mentor to many JIers, won Best First Book Award.

Andrea cuddling up with Martha Bradley, this year’s Arrington Award recipient.

A packed house for the Student Reception—always a highlight of the weekend.

Christopher has been a master student representative on the MHA board and a master of ceremonies for the student reception for several years. Amanda HK has her work cut out for her!

At the reception, JIer Rob and his wife Emily, David G, and one of JI’s founders Jared T.

Matt B. and Emjen.

JIer Janiece and JI’s good friend Brittany.

JIer Max and Dialogue Editor Kristine. Now you witness the charm with which she recruits authors.

JI’s good friend Ed Blum chats with Amanda HK and Ben P.