A benefit of being a Nauvoo resident is getting to know the many missionaries who come to Nauvoo each year. They could be spoiling grandkids at home or traveling with friends and family but instead, they come here to serve.

What do they do while in Nauvoo? They sing, play instruments, and entertain in summer shows. They make bricks and tiny horseshoes, bake bread, make gingerbread cookies (60,000+ each winter), weave rugs, and sew pioneer clothing.

They tell stories, greet visitors, coordinate schedules, and provide leadership. Some work in the gardens, some do woodwork, plumbing, and electrical work, some drive horse-drawn wagons. All in all, they keep Historic Nauvoo running 365 days a year.

We are lucky enough to capture a few images of them during sessions or candid shots during visits to the flats. Here are a few favorites showing some of what they do to serve.