BYU Special Collections: A Comprehensive Archive of Mormonism and Western History
Brigham Young University (BYU) houses an expansive array of archives that serve as a vital repository for the history of the American West and the development of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From rare 19th-century manuscripts to cutting-edge digital photograph archives, these collections preserve the social, religious, and political evolution of Utah and its people.
Key Facts
- Mormon History: Extensive records spanning from the church's inception in 1830 through the 21st century.
- Visual Arts: Over one million images in the Photograph Archives, stored in specialized cold storage at 40°F (4°C).
- Cinema & Music: Home to the complete Republic Pictures collection and the Primrose International Viola Archive.
- Rare Americana: Houses a premiere collection of Mormon Americana, including an 1830 Book of Mormon.
- Folklore: The largest collection of Mormon folklore, including the Saints at War Project for veterans.
Mormon and Western Manuscripts
The university maintains a chronological progression of manuscripts that document the Latter-day Saint experience. The 19th Century Collections focus on the foundational era, including westward migration, religion, mining, and Indian history. Moving into the 20th century, the archives include the papers of David M. Kennedy and Reed Smoot, alongside numerous mission diaries that track the church's global growth.
The 21st Century Collection continues this legacy, preserving contemporary records related to business, racial dynamics, and the political landscape of Utah.
Literary and Artistic Archives
BYU's literary holdings bridge the gap between global classics and faith-based writing. The Literary Manuscripts collection features correspondence from world-renowned figures such as Lord Byron, Lewis Carroll, and Charles Dickens, as well as works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Louisa May Alcott.
Parallel to these are the Mormon Authors collections, which highlight the voices of early church figures like Mary Wooley, Emmeline B. Wells, and Eliza R. Snow, as well as modern authors such as Dean Hughes and Orson Scott Card.
Arts and Communications
The Arts and Communications Archive specializes in the performing arts, journalism, and television. It preserves the professional papers of actor James Stewart and directors such as Howard Hawks, Merian C. Cooper, and Cecil B. DeMille, as well as episodes produced by Henry S. Kesler.
Film and Music Specializations
Established officially in 1996, the BYU Film Music Archives contains the complete Republic Pictures collection. Notable acquisitions include Max Steiner's scores for Gone with the Wind and King Kong. Additionally, the Motion Picture Archive holds over 200 rare films, which are screened for free in the library auditorium for the community and campus.
The Music Special Collections is equally diverse, housing the George Verdak Collection of Dance Music, the RKO Vaudeville Collection, the International Harp Archives, and the Primrose International Viola Archive. Formats range from modern DVDs to vintage 78 rpm discs and wax cylinders.
Visual and Folklore Records
The Photograph Archives at L. Tom Perry Special Collections manages over a million images dating back to the 1850s. To ensure longevity, photos are kept in a cold storage facility at 40°F (4°C) with 30 percent relative humidity. Patrons requesting these items must allow for a 24-hour acclimatization period in a warm-up room. A highlight of this archive is the George Anderson Collection, which captures the American landscape.
The William A. Wilson Folklore Archive, now part of the Harold B. Lee Library, is the most significant collection of Mormon folklore in existence. It preserves personal narratives, riddles, songs, and legends, with a specific focus on Utah County and Provo Canyon.
The Saints at War Project
Launched in 1999 by Dennis Wright and Robert Freeman, the Saints at War Project collects oral histories from Latter-day Saint veterans. In partnership with the U.S. Library of Congress Veterans History Project, it documents military service ranging from the Mormon Battalion to the present day.
Western Americana and University History
The Mormon Americana collection is a premiere resource featuring rare publications such as the 1833 Book of Commandments, the 1835 1st Mormon hymnal, and the 1830 Book of Mormon. These materials were largely sourced from the personal libraries of figures like J. Reuben Clark, Heber J. Grant, James E. Talmage, and Newel K. Whitney, and later expanded by Dale Morgan, Wilford Paulson, and LeRoy Hafen.
The broader Western Americana collection explores the exploration of the Colorado River and includes the A. Dean and Jean M. Larsen Yellowstone Collection, which consists of over 2,000 items donated in 2000.
University Archives
Documenting the institution itself, the University Archive contains over 7,000 feet (2,100 m) of linear records. This includes the school's yearbook (The Banyan), its newspaper (The Daily Universe), and records regarding athletics, dance planning, and academic syllabi.
| Collection Name | Primary Focus | Notable Items/Figures |
|---|---|---|
| Mormon Manuscripts | Church & Utah History | Reed Smoot, David M. Kennedy |
| Literary Manuscripts | Global & Mormon Authors | Charles Dickens, Orson Scott Card |
| Film & Music | Cinema & Orchestral Scores | Republic Pictures, Max Steiner |
| Photograph Archives | American West Visuals | George Anderson Collection |
| Folklore Archive | LDS Cultural Narratives | Saints at War Project |
| Mormon Americana | Rare Printed Materials | 1830 Book of Mormon |
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the photographs preserved at BYU?
Photographs are kept in a cold storage facility maintained at 40°F (4°C) with a relative humidity of 30 percent. To prevent damage, photos must acclimatize in a warm-up room for 24 hours before being handled by patrons.
What is the Saints at War Project?
Started in 1999, this project collects oral histories and materials from Latter-day Saint veterans, covering a timeline from the Mormon Battalion to the present day, in partnership with the U.S. Library of Congress.
Can the public view the rare motion pictures?
Yes, the Motion Picture Archive contains over 200 rare films that are available to students, faculty, and the community, with free screenings held in the library auditorium.
What rare books are found in the Mormon Americana collection?
The collection includes highly rare publications such as the 1830 Book of Mormon, the 1833 Book of Commandments, the 1835 1st Mormon hymnal, and the Morning Star.
What does the University Archive contain?
It houses over 7,000 feet of linear records documenting BYU's history, including the university's yearbook (The Banyan), the student newspaper (The Daily Universe), and various course notes and syllabi.