BYU

Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University and the College of Fine Arts and Communications

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. The College of Fine Arts and Communications was founded in 1963 following a reorganization of the College of Fine Arts. Currently, the college consists of the departments of Communications, Dance, Theatre and Media Arts, and Visual Arts. The college also has responsibility for BYU Broadcasting, the Museum of Art, Newsnet, and the School of Music. Brigham Young University’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 University’s College of Fine Arts and Communications.

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.
    • Butterworth, Edwin Jr. Brigham Young University: 1,000 Views of 100 Years. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.

Primary Sources

  • Sample materials dealing with the Brigham Young University College of Fine Arts and Communications: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU’s College of Fine Arts and Communications. 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 666 Correspondence and records, 1949-1983 1970-1980 Includes correspondence of Dean Lael Woodbury.
    • UA 1282 box 1 Performance photographs, ca. 1960s Nine images from performances put on by the College of Fine Arts and Communications. The performances were Othello, Joan of Lorraine, and The Man who came to Dinner.
    • UA 821 Files, ca. 1968-1989 Contains outlines, handouts, and packet materials relating to communications courses; brochures, programs, form letters, forms, and advertisements concerning Department of Communications; advertisements for High School Press Workshops; four issues of Comm World magazine, 1986-1989; two issues of Communications Newsletter, 1972; two issues of Alumni Update, 1982-1984; KBYU-FM Radio brochures, circulars, and correspondence; KBYU TV brochures, logo, report, and promotions; sequence coordinators meeting minutes; faculty meeting minutes; and Publication Workshop’s yearbook, “Encounter”, 1972-1973.
    • UA 741 Miscellaneous film clips and audio tapes, 197-? Contains various identified and unidentified rolls of video and audio tapes, some labeled as theater productions, talks, interviews, recitals. The bulk of films are labeled “A Shade of Difference.”
  • The following items are restricted.  Please contact the University Archivist for more information regarding access to these collections.
    • UA 1056 Deans’ office records, 1938-1994 This collection contains correspondence from the deans’ office, building records, faculty files, and other general files related to the functioning of the College of Fine Arts and Communications. Restricted for 25 years after the creation of the records and thereafter open to the public after consultation with the University Archivist and in accordance with the General Restriction Statement of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections.
    • UA 567 Deans’ office files, 1952-1975 Includes files and correspondence of the administration of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. Includes records of the Mormon Arts Festival, Banyan, Daily Universe, and other facets of the College. Restricted access; permission required from the University Archivist.
    • UA 1353 College of Fine Arts and Communications dean records, 1988-2002 Collection includes correspondence and meeting minutes created by the dean’s office of the College of Fine Arts and Communications between 1988 and 2002. Restricted for 25 years after the creation of the records and thereafter open to the public after consultation with the University Archivist and in accordance with the General Restriction Statement of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections.
  • Materials related to the College of Fine Arts and Communications:
    • MSS 1837 Papers, 1949-1978 Papers of Gerrit de Jong., Jr. Correspondence, musical scores, essays, and speeches. The materials relate to family matters and to education and religious topics.
    • UA 722 Papers, 1950-1970 Papers of Gerrit de Jong., Jr. Includes professional correspondence, publications, teaching materials, speeches, and musical drafts and publications.
    • UA 298 Report of the College of Fine Arts given to the general BYU faculty, April 12, 1956 Includes a report describing the curriculum, achievements, and faculty of the College of Fine Arts. A bulletin of the College is also included.

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