Beth Zeleny has pretty much done whatever church callings needed to be done: teaching in Primary, Young Women, Relief Society, early morning Seminary, Gospel Doctrine, and Gospel Principles; serving in Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women ward and stake presidencies; serving as a temple ordinance worker, Relief Society compassionate service leader, and provident living specialist. Just when she thought she had done everything, she was called to be ward history specialist.

Beth has a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s and PhD in Geography. She taught middle school math and science before grad school, then taught geography courses in university for a few years before switching to a career in intelligence. She retired seven years ago but enjoys research, analysis, and writing so much that she would like to go back to work and do it some more.

Ward History: unithistory.churchofjesuschrist.org

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This discussion centers around the innovative unit history website, which simplifies the process of recording and sharing ward histories. Beth shares how the introduction of the unit history site transformed her experience as ward history specialist, making ward history engaging and accessible for all ward members.

Beth elaborates on how the website allows leaders to document experiences and activities throughout the year. This fosters a sense of community and connection, as members can share personal stories that reflect their faith journeys. Beth emphasizes the importance of capturing these narratives, highlighting various stories from her ward that showcase the diverse experiences of its members, from missionary efforts to personal testimonies.

Kurt and Beth discuss strategies for encouraging ward engagement with the history site, including proactive outreach to members. Beth shares her methods for collecting stories, such as approaching individuals after sacrament meetings and inviting them to contribute their experiences.

02:09 – Introduction to Beth Zeleny

02:43 – Beth’s Background and Calling

04:01 – The Church’s New Ward History Tool

05:18 – How the Unit History Website Works

09:39 – Accessing the Unit History Site

11:00 – Member Contributions to Ward History

12:45 – Navigating the Unit History Site

16:36 – Gathering Stories from Ward Members

20:58 – Importance of Personal Stories

23:27 – The Value of Recording Ward History

26:00 – Engagement and Participation in Ward History

30:45 – Encouraging Story Submissions

35:13 – The Impact of Sharing First Experiences

37:17 – Conclusion and Call to Action

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