The story of the ship Brooklyn and its voyage comes to life through one BYU graduate's documentary.

Scott Tiffany, 32, from New York, wrote, produced and directed the documentary "Forgotten Voyage."

Tiffany graduated from BYU in 1995, where he studied public relations and journalism. He has worked on several productions through the History Channel and founded his own production company, Time Frame Films.

The documentary is about a group of Latter-day Saints who leave New York because of serious persecution in the Midwest and sail to San Francisco.

"It's a little known tale that had a major impact on the American West, and it is a pivotal part of Mormon history that few people know," Tiffany said.

The group, led by Brannan, left at the same time as the Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo. However, they arrived in the West almost a year before Brigham Young and the pioneers, Tiffany said.

"They were a beacon to the overland pioneers because they came first," he said.

Tiffany interviewed experts who are not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Doing so showed the voyage's importance beyond Mormon circles, he said.

Dale Goodwin, a descendant of passengers Isaac and Laura Goodwin, said the voyage established more than one way to travel west.

Goodwin, 70, said the Brooklyn voyage was the longest sea voyage ever taken for purposes of religious freedom.

The Mayflower traveled 3,000 miles over 63 days, Goodwin said. However, the Brooklyn traveled 24,000 miles over six months.

"Forgotten Voyage" focuses on the actual trip, but also tells about Brannan and John Horner, Tiffany said. Both were early millionaires in California.

Brannan has been described as a controversial leader and was reinstated from excommunication. Six months later he led the group on sea, Tiffany said. Once in California, he began the gold rush by announcing the discovery of gold. He later left the Church.

Tiffany said Brannan might have felt abandoned and perhaps betrayed by the Utah saints.

Andrew Hedges, 35, assistant professor of Church history and doctrine, said Brannan was bright and talented, but like most people had a few flaws.

"He was headstrong, and a little loose with Church funds, which led ultimately to his estrangement from the Church," Hedges said.

Tiffany said Brannan was searching for opportunity and mixed up his priorities.

Either way, Brannan's leadership had effects on the Church of Jesus Christ, California and the nation, Hedges said.

Brannan followed Brigham Young's directions to lead the pioneers on a dangerous voyage on sea. Brannan also established San Francisco's first newspaper, and was one of the first to announce the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill, Hedges said.

Tiffany said John Horner was a farmer and sold fresh vegetables to the gold miners. He remained faithful to the religion even with his acquired fortune.

Another faithful saint was Isaac Goodwin.

Dale Goodwin said his ancestor helped pioneer a route over the Sierra mountains.

The hurricane was a blessing in disguise. It blew the ship off course near the Juan Fernandez Islands, Dale Goodwin said.

The ship stopped to replenish its supplies of food and water. Before the islands, passengers were rationed strictly with putrid drops of water.

The Brooklyn found two fresh streams and collected 18 thousand gallons of water, Dale Goodwin said.

These people were the real pioneers, he said.

Hedges said he looks forward to seeing this documentary, and hopes it includes the effects of the voyage.

Hedges also hopes the film brings into perspective what the Church was going through at this time; to show why Brigham Young put the Latter-day Saints on such a voyage.

The documentary will be available at the "Forgotten Voyage" Web site by the end of February, Tiffany said.

PBS and the History Channel may pick up the documentary to broadcast this summer, Tiffany said. It will also eventually be sold in bookstores.

Copyright Brigham Young University 7 Mar 2002