Clubs at BYU

Clubs have been an integral part of the Brigham Young University experience since its founding as Brigham Young Academy in 1875. The earliest club on record is the Polysophical Society which provided students with an opportunity to discuss literature, science, music, fine arts, and civil government. The number of clubs has steadily grown over the years and today over 200 clubs provide students with a variety of social opportunities.

The BYU clubs homepage allows students to search the existing clubs for one that meets their interests, 2010.

The Chinese Club mans a booth about China, 1969.

The Press Club poses for a picture, 1935.

Members of the College Club engage in discussion, ca. 1906.

The Brigham Young University Archives is home to several collections documenting the history of clubs at the university. They include:

  • UA 1248 Phi Eta Sigma Brigham Young University chapter records, 1947-1954. Ledger containing the meeting minutes of the Brigham Young University chapter of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society.
  • UA 1213 Dileas Chalean records, 1963-1969. This collection contains a compilation of official documents, correspondence, minutes, photographs, and records detailing the organization and activities of Dileas Chalean.
  • UA 1323 Cycling Club records, 1969-1972. This collection contains copies of the bylaws of the BYU Cycling Club, a brief history of the club written by Keith M. Cottam, files related to the club, and materials related to the League of American Wheelman, Inc.
  • MSS SC 2879 BYU Polysophical Society minutes, 1877. Two pages of handwritten minutes of the society’s first two meetings, held in the Lewis Building at Brigham Young Academy on 30 November and 7 December 1877. Minutes include summary of Karl G. Maeser’s comments on the society’s functions, and qualifications for membership.
  • UA 5405 BYUSA Clubs papers, 1972-2005. This collection contains materials concerning clubs on campus administered by Brigham Young University Student Association (BYUSA). A finding aid is available here.

If you would like to learn more about the history of clubs at Brigham Young University, please contact the University Archivist at (801) 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu.

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