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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 8 Collections and/or Records:

Brigham Young Academy records

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197231012193]
Identifier: UA 341
Scope and Contents This is a collection of unrelated items. Includes a letter from the Utah Teachers' Association (1905), a program for a special theological meeting at the Brigham Young Academy (mostly room assignments) not dated, room and faculty assignments for the Business College (n.d.), a geology examination (n.d.), an announcement for Academy summer school (n.d.), register of monies collected and paid out for Academy expenses (1904), and room and faculty assignments for regular Academy courses...
Dates: 1893-1905

Brigham Young Academy student publications

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 1108
Scope and Contents

Contains Brigham Young Academy student magazine publications from 1884 to 1896. Includes copies of the BYA Student, The Normal, The Journal of Pedagogy, and The Business Journal.

Dates: 1884-1896

Zina Presendia Young Williams Card papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 1421
Abstract

Correspondence, autobiographical and biographical materials, patriarchal blessings, legal documents, news articles, and miscellaneous items. The materials document the life and career of Card including her affiliation with Brigham Young Academy, the Mormon Church, and various civic organizations. The items also relate to the towns of Cardston, Alberta; Logan, Utah; and Provo, Utah. Also included is correspondence with various Mormon Church leaders and that of her husband, Charles O. Card.

Dates: 1881-1930

Aurelia Hurst Gardner papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 1886
Scope and Contents

Autobiography, patriarchal blessings, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, and notes. The materials relate to Gardner's teaching career in home economics in Utah.

Dates: 1924-1980

Laboratory School printed materials, 1963-1968

 Series — Box 8: Series 10; Series 21 [Barcode: 31197235223853], Folder: 2-3
Identifier: UA 564 Series 10
Scope and Contents note

Contains curriculum development materials authored by faculty members of Brigham Young High School as part of an Education Experimental Programs project. Dates range from 1963-1968.

Dates: 1963-1968

Laboratory School publications, 1930-1968

 Series — Box 4: Series 6; Series 7 [Barcode: 31197235223903], Folder: 2-7
Identifier: UA 564 Series 7
Scope and Contents note

Contains chronologically arranged copies of student newspapers, newsletters, and literary magazines; handbooks, manuals, and information booklets; daily and special bulletins; miscellaneous bulletins and other announcements, correspondence, and emergency evacuation routes. Dates range from 1930-1968.

Dates: 1930-1968

Reinhard Maeser papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 1841
Scope and Contents

Correspondence, notes, speeches, certificates, poems, and miscellaneous items. The materials relate to Reinhard's missions for the Mormon Church, his teaching activities, and his relationship to his family. Correspondents include Karl G. Maeser and Reinhard's wife, Sarah Caroline Shepherd.

Dates: 1838-1944

The Miracle at Academy Square collection

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2940
Abstract

Contains an extremely detailed compilation (eight volumes) of official documents, correspondence, minutes, photographs, estimates, and records associated with the renovation of the old Brigham Young Academy building in Provo, UT. Also includes a CD with a digitized copy of each volume (excluding Vol. 3, written by L. Lee Bartlett).

Dates: approximately 1984-2003