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Jan Shipps papers

 Collection
Identifier: UUS_COLL MSS 569

Content Description

This collection comprises the professional and research materials collected by Jan Shipps. Included are drafts and completed publications, correspondence, annotated mansucripts reviewed by Dr. Shipps. The majority of the files were refoldered but retained the file title as originally given by Dr. Shipps. Also included are audio cassette tapes of selected lectures, a CD of her “Last Lecture,” and a number of historic post cards relating to LDS church history sites. Items of interest include correspondence with General Authorities of the Church, correspondence with anti-Mormon leaders, and transcripts of interviews with convicted forger Mark Hofmann.

Dates

  • 1909-2016

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Access to some files is restricted. Not available through interlibrary loan.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Jan Shipps Papers must be obtained from the Manuscripts Curator and/or the Special Collections Department Head.

Biographical / Historical

Jan Shipps is an American historian specializing in Mormon history, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century. Shipps is generally regarded as the foremost non-Mormon scholar of the Latter-Day Saint movement, having given particular attention to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). She served as president of the Mormon History Association, and was both the first woman and first non-church member to do so. In addition to many articles and reviews for both popular and scholarly periodicals, she is the author of “Mormonism: The Story of a New Religious Tradition,” which is often used as a textbook in college and university courses on American religions. Her objective “outsider” position garnered respect from Mormons and non-Mormons alike, and she was frequently sought after to provide context any time the LDS church was featured in the news.

Extent

29.25 Linear Feet (59 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The collection consists of research notes, correspondence, professional records, and publications of Dr. Jan Shipps during her career as professor and researcher in history and religious studies.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into six series: 1. Personal/Biographical; 2. Professional Organizations; 3. Publications, presentations, lectures; 4. Manuscript reviews; 5. Correspondence/memoranda; 6. Projects, studies, and research files.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

These materials were donated to Utah State University in 2019 by Stephen Shipps, the son of Dr. Shipps.

Title
Guide to the Jan Shipps Papers
Author
Finding aid written by Heather Housley, Drew Roberson, and Clint Pumphrey.
Date
2023
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
3000 Old Main Hill
Logan Utah 84322-3000 United States
435 797-8248
435 797-2880 (Fax)