Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young Academy Part 2

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:
  • UA 483 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.
  • UA 521 Letter, 1884 Contains a copy of a letter from Eggertsen to his brother, Simon, describing the fire that burned the Lewis building.
  • UA 179 On the burning of the Brigham Young Academy at Provo, 1884
  • Collection includes a letter to Evanda Young in the form of a poem concerning the burning of Brigham Young Academy, January 28, 1884.
  • UA 186 Recorder reports: commencing the 10th year Collection includes class, library, music, theology, domestic, and general statistics for 1885-1891, 1885 being the 10th year of the Academy.
  • UA 326 Annual report of the principal of the Brigham Young Academy: To the Board of Trustees and Stake Board of Education, for the sixteenth academic year, ’91-92 Regarding departments and studies, including the training school, languages, scientific studies, mathematics, art, music, and the commercial college. Also includes reports concerning teaching methods, special class work, domestic organization and the buildings and grounds.
  • UA 607 Miscellaneous records of, and articles about, the Brigham Young Academy, 1891-1925 Includes a poem “The Builder” a tribute to BYU, by Marie Clark Miller; officers of Brigham Young University 1923-1924; news article examining the progress of BYU, 1918; a brief history and suggested outline for a history of BYU, with name of compilers, 1920; copy of the Deseret Weekly containing article about Brigham Young Academy, 1891; brief history of the Academy from the Contributor written by James Talmage, 1881; enrollment statistics for the years 1875-1924; poem by George Brimhall? written for a student body meeting, n.d.
  • MSS 3271 Scrapbook materials related to Brigham Young University, 1891-1965 Collection consists of newspaper clippings, programs for campus events, and other materials related to Edith Young Booth’s lifelong association with Brigham Young University.
  • UA SC 33 Dedicatory exercises of the Brigham Young Academy Building, 1892 Contains the description of the dedicatory exercises, and includes the farewell speech given by Karl Maeser.
  • UA 345 Does the world look gray to you: or, how to get an education Contains information for entering BYA students.
  • MSS 4170 Brigham Young Academy South American expedition papers, 1899-1975 Brigham Young Academy South American expedition papers, 1899-1975 includes two series: (1) Expedition papers, 1900-1975 and (2) Chester Van Buren papers, 1899-1968. The materials, including first-hand accounts and retrospective articles, were written or compiled by Vasco M. Tanner.
  • UA 406 School papers, 1900-1903 Includes account records by the student body president for fund raising for the library, a draft of correspondence used to solicit funds for a new gymnasium, a bank passbook with canceled checks, an account book for the new gymnasium, a financial ledger, and a draft of a school or class song.

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.