Yet it is the documents that Lund expects will attract the most attention, though "typical museum visitors don't usually like that kind of thing."

When museum officials began working on the exhibit more than a year ago, they formed several focus groups of church members to determine which items were of most interest.

"They told us they were most interested in original manuscripts and documents — things that make an impact on their personal lives. I think they are seeing those manuscripts as their link to Joseph Smith through the scriptures (he produced). They see them as important and pertinent."

Lund said the exhibit will not include clothing worn by Smith and his brother, Hyrum, when they were killed by a mob while jailed in Carthage, Ill., in 1844. Those items are owned by Eldred G. Smith, former LDS Church patriarch and a descendant of the brothers, who regularly displays them during presentations he makes to groups of church members.

Though museum officials have no way of knowing how many patrons the exhibit will draw, they believe it will be among the most popular ever on display there.

"We're already taking reservations from a lot of tour groups," Lund said.

The artifacts will be on display through Jan. 15, 2006, and all information will be presented in both English and Spanish. The museum is located at 45 N. West Temple. Its hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and most holidays. Admission is free.

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