Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young Academy Part 1

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brigham Young Academy’s remarkable history can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives. The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of Brigham Young Academy.

Secondary Sources and General information
Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976.
  • Hatch, Ephraim. Brigham Young University: A Pictorial History of Physical Facilities 1875-2005. Provo, UT : Physical Facilities Division, Brigham Young University, 2005.
• Other secondary sources related to Brigham Young Academy:
  • LD 571 .B672 J46 1942b History of Brigham Young University A comprehensive view of the history of the university, beginning with its inception and then creation as an academy in 1875. Includes discussions of administrations, buildings, the library, laboratory and museum facilities, school publications, student associations, athletics, traditions, and more.

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with Brigham Young Academy: A sample of the materials that contain information about Brigham Young Academy follows. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • MSS 896 Papers, 1837-1894 Papers of Abraham O. Smoot. Includes diaries, correspondence, financial records, and biographies dealing with personal, business, Church, and Brigham Young Academy matters. Smoot kept diaries from 1837 to 1838 and from 1844 to 1845 while serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States. Also included are diaries for 1856 and from 1885 to 1893.
  • UA 714 Office of General Counsel property records Brigham Young University property records compiled by the Office of General Counsel contain abstracts of title, indentures, water rights, deeds, and court proceedings. These documents detail various activities of Brigham Young University’s property activities in Utah between 1871 to 1938.
    • Folder 2 Brigham Young Academy property deed
    • Folders 7-9 Brigham Young Academy deeds
    • Folder 10 Brigham Young Academy Quit-Claim deed
    • Folders 14-20 Brigham Young Academy indentures
  • UA 399 Deeds and indentures of the Brigham Young Academy, 1872-1903 Typewritten and photocopied articles of incorporation with amendments, first and second deeds of trust, and a deed of conveyance designating Brigham Young (1801-1877) as owner of a land parcel occupied in part by the Lewis Building.
  • UA 416 Brief history of the Brigham Young Academy to 1908 Compilation of BYA registration statistics and brief reports regarding finances, buildings, and the organization of the academy.
  • UA 104 Records, 1875-1942 Compiled by the BYU History Committee, collection includes original manuscripts consisting of Brigham Young Academy student registers, addresses by Karl G. Maeser, life sketches, and histories of departments, clubs and organizations used in the preparation of History of Brigham Young University, compiled and written by J. Marinus Jensen et al. (Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University. [1945]).
  • UA 380 Significant dates in BYU history 1875-1957 Includes a list of selected significant dates and events in BYA and BYU history, including deed of trust, tenure of presidents and principles, construction of buildings, founding of organizations, clubs, academic departments and colleges, sports events, and festivals.
  • MSS SC 687 Brigham Young correspondence, 1876 Typescripts of two letters between Young and Louis Frederick Moench discussing the teaching of truth and correct principles at the Brigham Young Academy. Also includes memo from Ernest L. Wilkinson.
  • UA 237 Notes and statistical reports taken from original Brigham Young Academy records, 1876-1878 Includes training school history and curriculum, statistical reports, and faculty activities at the Academy.
  • UA 342 Minutes of the Committee of the B.Y. Academy, Jan. 18, 1878 Contains minutes of a social committee planning a party for BYA students of 1878.
  • UA 213 Records, 1878-1892 Collection includes reports arranged by departments containing students’ grades in percentages for various classes.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the history of Brigham Young Academy. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.