Skip to main content

Brigham Young Academy

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1875 - 1903

Administrative History

Brigham Young Academy (1875-1903) was established by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under the direction of Brigham Young for the instruction of church members in the area of Provo, Utah.

Brigham Young Academy was the predecessor to Brigham Young University and Brigham Young High School. Brigham Young saw the school as a place where all secular learning should be fused with teachings from the scriptures. Despite steady growth during its early years, the Academy was threatened by a series of financial and physical setbacks. With the help and sacrifice of Abraham O. Smoot, the campus moved in 1891 to new facilities on University Avenue in Provo Utah. The Academy's curriculum strengthened and enrollment grew. In 1903, the name was officially changed to Brigham Young University.

Brigham Young Academy principals included Warren N. Dusenberry (1876), Karl G. Maeser (1876-1892), and Benjamin Cluff (1892-1894). Benjamin Cluff also served as Academy president between 1894 and 1903.

Citation:
The Journal of pedagogy, Feb. 1895: t.p. (Brigham Young Academy)

BYU--national champions, 1985: intro. (Brigham Young University)

History of BYU (within Brigham Young University website), via WWW, 4 November 2010 (Brigham Young Academy established October 16, 1875 in Provo, Utah. Name changed to Brigham Young University in 1903. Sponsored by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Provo City Library website, via WWW, Oct. 2, 2012 (Brigham Young Academy; founded in 1876; essentially a high school until 1896, with the founding of the College Dept.)

YFacts History of BYU, via WWW, viewed May 31, 2013 (Brigham Young Academy (1875-1903), Brigham Young saw the school as a place where all secular learning should be fused with teachings from the scriptures, despite steady growth during its early years, the Academy was threatened by a series of financial and physical setbacks, with the help and sacrifice of Abraham O. Smoot, the campus moved in 1891 to new facilities on University Avenue in Provo Utah, the Academy's curriculum strengthened and enrollment grew, 1903 the name was officially changed to Brigham Young University)

Yfacts BYU Presidents, via WWW, viewed Mar. 19, 2013 (Brigham Young Academy principals included Warren N. Dusenberry (1876), Karl G. Maeser (1876-1892), and Benjamin Cluff (1892-1903))

Brigham Young High School History, via WWW, viewed May 31, 2013 (Brigham Young Academy was the predecessor to Brigham Young University and Brigham Young High School)

Found in 6 Collections and/or Records:

Joseph B. Keeler family papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2016
Scope and Contents

Includes journals, biographical sketches, correspondence, articles, lesson manuals, published and unpublished manuscripts, photographs, and ephemera. The bulk of the material was created by Joseph B. Keeler's descendants, who used his papers as they compiled their published family history, "Build Thee More Stately" (1989). The collection focuses on family history, religion, education, and professional organizations.

Dates: approximately 1840-1990

Eugene L. Roberts letters and diary excerpt

 File — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 901
Scope and Contents

Typewritten copies of four letters and an excerpt from a diary. The letters relate to Roberts' attempt to gather material to write a biography of Benjamin Cluff (1858-1948), president of Brigham Young Academy in Provo, Utah. The items include an excerpt of Cluff's diary in 1904 and letters written about him in 1890.

Dates: 1890-1947

Frank Warren Smith papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 302
Scope and Contents Diary; correspondence to and from presidents of Brigham Young Academy; other correspondence; family genealogy; newspaper clippings; mementos; programs; articles by Smith on evolution, politics, and religion; financial records; chemistry papers and notes; and miscellaneous items. The materials relate primarily to Smith's work as a chemist and his association with the Brigham Young Academy in Provo, Utah. The collection also includes several photographs of family and friends as well as of...
Dates: 1889-1908

A. O. Smoot papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 896
Scope and Contents The A. O. Smoot papers comprise the accumulation of records over the period of fifty-seven years and include journals, diaries, financial records and correspondence dealing with business, personal, church, and Brigham Young Academy matters. The letters are holograph and typewritten, the journals are in both the original handwritten form and xerox copies.The missionary journals were written by A.O. Smoot for the years of 1837 to 1838 and 1844 to 1845 while he was serving in the...
Dates: 1837-1894

Vasco M. Tanner collection on the South American Expedition

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 4170
Scope and Contents

Contains first-hand accounts and retrospective articles on the South American Expedition. Includes diaries, correspondence, field notes, and articles. Much of the material focuses on the contributions of Benjamin Cluff Jr. and Chester G. Van Buren. Collection was compiled by Vasco M. Tanner, and includes his own research and writing on the expedition.

Dates: 1899-1975

Walter M. Wolfe journals and other papers, 1900-1901

 Series
Identifier: UA 366 Series 1
Scope and Contents

Originals and typescripts of Wolfe's personal journals, August 1900-August 1901; Guatemalan passport and letter authorizing "archaeological explorations," receipt, and letter of request for translation of said items.

Dates: 1900-1901