Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University and the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies

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. Named for David M. Kennedy, former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and Ambassador-at-Large, the Kennedy Center prepares students to make contributions in global affairs with degrees in International Relations and Area Studies, Study Abroad opportunities, research programs, and lectures by scholars and diplomats. The center’s international and area studies offers five major and nineteen minor degree programs. The campus attracts extraordinary diplomats, scholars, and talented individuals from business, politics, finance, public service, and education who teach and lecture at the International Forum Series. 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 the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies.

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 David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies: A sample of the materials that contain information about the Kennedy Center. 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 721 Culturgrams and other intercultural publications, 1975-1989 Includes correspondence, research, and publications relating to the creation and publication of the Culturgrams.
    • UA 1297 Records, 1979-1995 This collection contains informational pamphlets (Culturgrams) on a variety of countries from various years, as well as programs from the opening of the Kennedy Center.
  • The following items are restricted.  Please contact the University Archivist for more information regarding access to these collections.
    • UA 959 Records, 1957-2002 Records of R. Lanier Birthsch, a BYU professor from 1966 to 2002. This collection includes some Kennedy Center records. Portions of this collection are closed; contact University Archivist for information.
    • UA 1290 Records, 1965-1990 This collection contains correspondence and meeting minutes, as well as information on the history, organization, and international associations of the Kennedy Center. 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.
  • Sample Materials related to the Kennedy Center:
    • MSS SC 1015 My trip to Europe, June-August 1953 Carbon copy of a typescript in one bound volume. Reminiscent account and diary of a trip taken to Europe with Study Abroad, Inc., group under the direction of Dr. Gledhill from Brigham Young University. Describes in some depth the stops made and the sights she saw as the group travelled through Europe.
    • MSS 1643 Ray C. Hillam papers, 1955-2008 Collection includes materials created in Hillam’s work as a faculty member at Brigham Young University (BYU) between 1955 and 2008, with the bulk of the material from 1960 to 1993. The collection includes items collected during or about study abroad trips, including photographs and scrapbooks. Also includes information on the founding of the Kennedy Center for International Studies collected while Hillam was director, and documentation regarding BYU’s “spy scandal”.
    • UA SC 45 Brigham Young University and the People’s Republic of China : the first five years Relates the initial educational and cultural exchanges between BYU and China.
    • UA OH 180 Interview, 2000 Mar. 3 Briant Jacobs, an English professor at Brigham Young University from 1946-1984, comments on his participation with his wife in the China Teachers Program sponsored by BYU’s David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies, 1983-1984 and 1991-1992.
    • UA OH 181 Interview, 2000 Feb. 23 Ray Hillam briefly comments on China Teachers Program which sent couples to China to teach English beginning in 1989; International Relations Program, subsequently known as David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies; and Washington Seminar, which sent students to study in Washington D.C.

  This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the history of the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.