Any way you look at him, Joseph Smith Jr. is a remarkable person.

If you see him — as the approximately 12 million worldwide members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do — as a prophet, seer, revelator, church founder and translator of the Book of Mormon, you consider him one of the most beloved and important figures in history.

If you see him — and many historians and scholars do — as "an authentic religious genius" and "a towering religious figure," he still must be classed as one of the most charismatic leaders and significant religious personages of 19th century America.

Joseph Smith was born Dec. 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vt., and died at the hands of a mob on June 27, 1844. But during that brief life span, he set in motion events and doctrines that forever changed the face of religion.

So it is not surprising that the 200th anniversary of his birth is receiving yearlong attention.

During the year, church headquarters in Salt Lake City will sponsor selected international and national recognitions of the Joseph Smith bicentennial.

Almost every LDS ward, branch and stake will also be planning special observances recognizing the teachings, accomplishments and legacy of the church's first prophet.

Many individuals and organizations will also be contributing special events and projects: books, CDs, programs, exhibits, needle arts. Here's just a small sampling, showing the diversity of some of the things that will occur throughout the year.

• This Is The Place Heritage Park has developed a program that explores the life of Joseph Smith through the words of people who knew him. Historic interpreters — including well-know personalities, such as Porter Rockwell and Lucy Mack Smith, and lesser-know figures, such as Joseph's first home teacher and a woman who knew his favorite hymns — will greet guests and talk about the prophet using accounts taken from journals and diaries.

"We Knew Joseph," will debut Saturday as part of Ladies Night at the park from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and will be free to the public. After that, it can be reserved for youth groups, families and other organizations. Call Cliff Harris at 801-924-7402 for availability and pricing.

• A summer lecture series will be held at This Is The Place Heritage Park on Fridays, 7-9 p.m., from June through August. Lectures will take place in the Smoot Hall and will be free with park admission. Speakers include Liz Lemon Swindle, Susan Easton Black, Mark McConkie, Heidi Swinton and others. For information call 582-1847.