Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University Centennial

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 remarkable history and celebration of Brigham Young University’s centennial year 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 Brigham Young University Centennial.

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

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with the Brigham Young University Centennial: A sample of the materials that contain information about the BYU Centennial. 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 880 BYU centennial flashbacks: scrapbook, [ca. 1875-1975] Collection of newspaper articles from the Daily Herald pertaining to events on campus since the time of its creation. Includes stories about various presidents of BYU, accomplishments of students and athletes, groups and clubs, and photographic images of Brigham Young Academy as well as significant persons in the university’s history.
  • UA 930 Centennial history collection, 1942-1985 Histories compiled by several colleges and departments at BYU, mostly between 1974 and 1975, in conjunction with the centennial of the university. Includes a few other histories, dating as early as 1942 and as late as 1985.
  • UA 566 Records, 1972-1976 Includes research materials for “Brigham Young University: a school of destiny”, and “Brigham Young University: the first one hundred years”. Materials include photocopies of presidential and administrative officers, papers, journal extracts, student, faculty and LDS Church publications, oral histories, correspondence, news clippings, and other material related to the published history of BYU.
  • UA 1124 Records, 1973-1976 The collection contains a wide variety of documentation produced and collected by the Centennial Celebration Committee. This includes memorandums, meeting minutes, correspondence, publications, photographs, and other materials. These files contain information on most of the events that happened during the Centennial year. However, a significant portion of the collection relates directly to the production of “Brigham!”, a musical dramatizing the founding and growth of Brigham Young University.
  • UA 828 Administrative records, 1974-1976 This collection contains information on the self-study of the Physical Plant and information on the preparations for the Brigham Young University centennial.
  • BX 8608 .A1a no.1496c BYU Centennial: a century of love of God, pursuit of truth, service to mankind. Brigham Young University conference speeches, 1975 Addresses by Ben E. Lewis, Dallin H. Oaks, Neal A. Maxwell, Robert K. Thomas and Gordon B. Hinckley.
  • UA 695 Centennial Committee records The collection contains reports, photographs, and memorabilia from the Centennial Committee dated 1975-1976.
• Sample materials related to the BYU Centennial:
  • UA OH 75 Oral history interview, Jan. 20, 1983 Interview by David Whittaker with Richard Bennett, historian, discussing his role and responsibilities relating to the research and writing of the Brigham Young University Centennial History, including opinions on co-workers on the project.
  • UA OH 57 James R. Clark oral history interview, Jan. 10, 1980 Interview by Alonzo J. Morley with James R. Clark concerning his professional assignments, his work on the BYU Centennial History Committee, and his involvement with the Indian Institute program. Also discusses his early life and education.

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