[1] The Improvement Era was first published in 1897 as a replacement to the unofficial magazine, The Contributor.

Over the years, it was the official publishing organ for a variety of organizations within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including the Seventies, the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association, priesthood quorums, church schools, the Church Music Committee, and the Home Teaching Committee.

Editors of the Improvement Era included Joseph F. Smith, Heber J.

Grant, George Albert Smith, David O. McKay, Joseph Fielding Smith, John A. Widtsoe, Richard L. Evans, B. H. Roberts, Edward H. Anderson, Hugh J. Cannon, Harrison R. Merrill, and Doyle L. Green.

The February 1968 issue included the first publication of images of the Joseph Smith Papyri, in sepia tone.