Phoenician ship to Salt Lake City
The Lord’s timing and works are truly remarkable. Through the revelations given to Joseph Smith and his translation of the Book of Mormon, scholars have spent decades studying possible evidence surrounding the Book of Mormon peoples and their journeys from Jerusalem to the “Land of Promise.” We know of three different groups who were led to, “…this.is a land, which is choice above all other lands. (Ether 2:10). The Jardites came just after the Tower of Babel. The Lehites about 600 B.C.
Mulek, identified as a son of King Zedekiah, survived the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem around 586 B.C. According to the Book of Mormon, the Lord preserved him and led him to the “Land of Promise.”. His descendants became known as the Mulekites, or the people of Zarahemla, who later united with the Nephites. Nephi was the son of Lehi and preserved the records. The Lord told Joseph Smith to name the city across the Mississippi River from Nauvoo, Illinois, Zarahemla in Iowa (D&C 125:3).
Philip Beale
Philip Beale from the UK had it in his heart to build a Phonecian ship based on 600 BC technology. The Phoenicians were the navigators of the world for centuries back then. He had Phonecian histories that they had sailed around Africa as well as to America. So he did those two voyages with his ship. In 2016 his ship went from Tonecia to Ft. Loterdale, Florida. Unbeknownst to him his two voyages basically mapped out the Lehites route to the “Land of Promise”–North America. Many believe that the “heartland” of North America is where the Jaredites, Lehites, and Mulikites came to this Land of Promise. Philip Beales’ adventures greatly caught the attention of the HEARTLANDERS.
For many years, readers have wondered how Mulek and his group crossed the ocean, since the Book of Mormon provides only a brief reference in the Book of Helaman 6:10, which states that “the Lord did bring Mulek into the land north, and Lehi into the land south.”
Some researchers now believe that Mulek may have traveled with the help of Phoenician sailors from Carthage, who were renowned in the ancient world for their advanced maritime skills. In this fascinating presentation, Tunisian scholar Eyrj Ben Sassi explains the historical and archaeological evidence supporting this possibility. Another engaging presentation is the TEDxLAU Women talk by Sheimaa El Oubari, who describes her experience sailing aboard the Phonician ship that Philip Beale had built. It may well be similar to the kind Mulek may have used. Eyrj Ben Sassi references Sheimaa El Oubari as a leading scholar in Phoenician maritime history. Sheimaa is from Labanan where the Phoenicians used to reside.
Considerable research has explored how Lehi and his family may have traveled to the Americas. Far less attention, however, has been given to the Mulikites. Boyd Tuttle is now writing a book about Mulek.
Help Build a Museum in Salt Lake City
We now stand at an extraordinary moment in the preservation of Book of Mormon history and research. A growing body of evidence continues to inspire scholars, researchers, and believers alike as they explore possible connections between ancient maritime civilizations and the peoples described in the Book of Mormon.
One of the most exciting opportunities before us is the creation of a museum in Salt Lake City dedicated to showcasing artifacts, research, replicas, and educational exhibits relating to Book of Mormon civilizations and their possible connections to the ancient world.
A remarkable centerpiece for this museum already exists: the replica Phoenician ship “Phoenicia,” built by Philip Beale. This full-scale vessel represents the type of ship that may have carried Mulek and his people to the Americas. The ship has already been generously purchased through the efforts of John Lefgren and Michael Fontain and Betty Fontain. What is now needed is a permanent home where it can inspire and educate future generations.
This museum would provide a place where families, scholars, students, and visitors from around the world could explore compelling evidence, historical context, and educational displays that bring the Book of Mormon to life in meaningful and thought-provoking ways.
We invite individuals, families, organizations, and supporters of this vision to join in helping make this museum a reality. Financial contributions, professional expertise, exhibit support, and community connections are all needed to establish a worthy home for Phoenicia and the growing collection of research and artifacts associated with this effort.
Together, we can help preserve this unique educational and historical resource for future generations and create a lasting center for discovery, faith, and learning in Salt Lake City.
Email from Dr. Lefgren, Eryj coming to Salt Lake
I recently received an e-mail from Dr. John Lefgren that Eryj Ben Sassi is coming to Salt Lake City on the 21st of May, this month (2026).
Greetings from John Lefgren,
It is fascinating how the history of scripture fundamentally associates with the geography of the Mediterranean. Carthage is a major, well-known city in the ancient world that rivaled Rome.
Eryj Ben Sassi is the Founder and President of the Association Didon of Carthage in Tunisia. She has been a featured guest on podcasts like Gospel Tangents to discuss evidence of ancient Phoenicians traveling from North Africa to North America around 600 BC. Chick here to see.
We are happy to report that Eryj is coming from Carthage, Tunisia to Salt Lake City. Utah, on Thursday, May 21st.
She has followed the activities of Phoenicia for a decade from the Old to the New Worlds. She recognizes that the ship tells the story of how her ancestors sailed 30,000 nautical miles around Africa and across the Atlantic to America. She knows that the ship is now in Utah and is ready to go on display for millions to see and feel.
Here is the planned program for Eryi’s upcoming visit.
(1) Meetings with Rod Meldrum at his studios in southern Utah.
(2) Meetings in Salt Lake City with Habib Ostra, who is flying in to meet Mike and Betty LaFontaine as well as Erjyj to discuss preparations for the 2026 Southern Federation of Syrian-Lebanese American Convention in Orlando, Florida. The Lebanese organization wants to learn more about PHOENICIA and how it might participate in the ship’s future plans.
(3) Meetings organized by Doug Petty and Boyd Tuttle with religious leaders in downtown Salt Lake.
(4) Planned talks with the members of the Salt Lake City, Utah, 2034 Organizing Committee, led by Executive Chair Fraser Bullock, CEO Brad Wilson, and Vice Chair Steve Starks.
(5) Meetings organized by Jim Wheeler and Roger Cook with wealthy people who live near Jackson Hole. For your information, Teton County, Wyoming, is the richest per capita county in America. To our knowledge, no other place in the world has such a high concentration of wealth. The purpose of these meetings is for Erjyj to begin discussions about future funding for the PHOENICIA.
(6) Meetings in Hollywood with people who represent the global epicenter of creative talent, showcasing excellence across film, television, music, radio, and live performance.
Erjyj is coming from the Old World and will support Phoenicia as she reaches out to people from around the World.
We welcome Eryi to Utah as we finalize the schedule for her visit.
Regards,
John Lefgren, PhD
Heartland Research Inc
Montrose, Iowa
by David W. Allan and daughter Celeste
PS The following blog article proves the HEARTLAND model to be true for Book of Mormon geography. Philip Beale came to a Book of Mormon Evidence Conference to receive an award. You see him on the left holding the flag with Boyd Tuttle that he flew on the Phoenicia.