Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University Buildings

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 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 heritage.

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
  • Bergera, Gary James and Ron Priddis Brigham Young University: A House of Faith Salt Lake City, UT: Signature Books, 1985
  • Miller, Karl A. History of buildings and grounds, development and maintenance of Brigham Young University: Brigham Young Academy 1875-1903, Brigham Young University 1903-1947, including brief sketches and additions of physical plant maintenance 1947-1973 Provo, UT (?): s. n., 1989 (?)
• Sample collections dealing with Brigham Young University buildingsA sample of the collections that contain information on the buildings of Brigham Young University follows. This sampling is not comprehensive. Please see the entries for “buildings” in the Guide to Processed Collections (PDF) in the University Archives for further information. 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.
  • Campus building photographs, 1875-ca. 1975 (UA 827) Collection includes photographs of most campus buildings, arranged alphabetically by building name. Includes views relating to the Alpine Summer School, athletic stadiums, student housing, and temporary buildings.
  • Building dedications, 1892-2001 (UA 877) Collection of flyers, programs, invitations, speeches, dedicatory prayers, and other memorabilia associated with various building dedications on the Brigham Young University campus.
  • Collected articles about BYU buildings, ca. 1970-ca. 1989 (UA 626) Collection includes articles concerning the history, dedication and completion of various campus buildings. Articles collected during the 1970s and 1980s.
  • Views of campus development, ca. 1974-1991 (UA 923) Collection includes pictorial histories of building construction at Brigham Young University, 1875-1975, arranged chronologically by university president; pictorial survey of BYU Physical Plant Dept., 1974; pictorial histories of individual campus structures built and remodeled during 1970s and early 1980s; and photographs, slides, and negatives of campus buildings and personnel, and other schools operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Also Includes views of construction of Provo and Jordan River temples as well as views of BYU-Hawaii campus, Ricks College campus, Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies, and Missionary Training Center adjacent to BYU. Materials mostly compiled as part of Ephraim Hatch’s work in BYU Physical Plant Department.
  • Rex, Janet J. “BYU Physical Facility Building Histories, 1998” (UA 779) Compiled by Janet J. Rex of Public Communications at Brigham Young University, the document gives summary information about each structure on the BYU campus, including date of construction, its uses, departments housed therein, dates of renovation (if applicable), and, in some instances, anecdotal information.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives. To examine the complete collection inventory (and any other additional manuscript materials related to this topic), go to the L. Tom Perry Special Collections EAD Search page, and enter the term “BYU Buildings.”