Harold B. Lee Library

George H. Brimhall and Brigham Young University

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. George H. Brimhall was the fourth president of Brigham Young University, serving from 1904 to 1921.  He was known for his strong personality, which enabled him to guide the University through years of financial crisis and other hardships. While raising 14 children, presiding over the Brigham Young University, and serving on the Church Board of Examiners, George H. Brimhall still found time to write, teach, preach, and guide the people he loved. His remarkable impact on Brigham Young University 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 George H. Brimhall’s legacy.

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 (see index for Brimhall, George H.)
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976 (see index for Brimhall, George H.)

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with George H. Brimhall: A sample of the materials that contain information about George H. Brimhall 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.
  • BX 8670.1 .B77b 1949 Diary, 1881-1932 A family project of his daughters, contains compilations of his original 45 diaries, organized by date from 1885 to 1932.  Also indexed by topic.
  • UA 1092 Brigham Young University president’s records, 1903-1921 This collection consists largely of correspondence that documents the administration of Brigham Young University during George H. Brimhall’s presidency.
  • UA 206 Papers, 1925 Collection includes handwritten and typewritten correspondence to and from Brimhall and Brigham Young University Alumni requesting and concerning reminiscences of experiences at Brigham Young Academy and Brigham Young University.
  • BX 8648 .B77L 1936 Long and short range arrows A collections of sermonettes and poetry regarding an abundance of gospel topics.  Includes a brief biographical sketch, written by Alice L. Reynolds.
  • UA 97 Box 1 George H. Brimhall: an attempted approximation of his genius, accomplishments, stature, 1975 Includes a draft of a biography of George H. Brimhall, written by J. Edward Johnson, the student body president of BYU in 1915, and based on his personal recollections.
  • UA 1229 Writings of George H. Brimhall, 1988 Multiple copies of the writings of George H. Brimhall. These writings came from the Brimhall Gallery in the George H. Brimhall Building and were compiled by his descendants.
  • BX 8608 .B778t 1988 Tributes to George H. Brimhall Tributes given by government leaders, church leaders, BYU administrators, colleagues, students, family members and tributes given at the time of his death.
  • BX 8608 .B778w 1988 Words of wisdom A collection of brief sayings of George H. Brimhall regarding various topics such as character, religion, truth, education and America.  Excerpted from his diaries, letters, teachings, poetry, etc.
  • BX 8608 .B778b 1988 v.1-2 BYU devotional talks A collection of talks and other short messages from 1904 to 1932 given to BYU students.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the life of George H. Brimhall. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.