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Kenneth and Audrey Godfrey papers

 Collection
Identifier: UUS_COLL MSS 575

Content Description

Libraries and archives collect and preserve a broad spectrum of material. Some materials in the USU Libraries’ collections contain sensitive or harmful content. This collection has been identified as having such content. You may submit feedback on such content here. For USU Libraries’ full statement on sensitive or harmful, content, please visit this page. This collection contains correspondence, research files, notebooks, books, articles, and talks/presentations, largely related to Latter-day Saint Church history, Cache Valley history, and the Church education system. Most materials date from 1950 to 2023, although there are also primary source materials that date from the early 20th century.

Dates

  • Creation: 1950-2020

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Personal journals in boxes 2,3,18 are restricted until 2029. No other restrictions on access, except: 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 Kenneth and Audrey Godfrey papers must be obtained from the Manuscript curator and/or the Special Collections Section Head.

Biographical / Historical

Kenneth W. Godfrey and Audrey M. Godfrey are notable historians within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Kenneth was an administrator, curriculum writer, and teacher for the Church's educational system, serving at Institutes in northern Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, and central California. He has contributed to various historical projects and publications, focusing particularly on the American frontier and the development of Mormonism. Audrey M. Godfrey, also a historian and scholar, has worked alongside her husband in preserving and researching LDS Church history, including the study of women’s roles and the social history of the Church. Together, they have authored and edited multiple books, articles, and historical resources that contribute to the understanding of the LDS Church's history. Their work has been influential in both academic and faith-based contexts.

Kenneth earned both BS and MA degrees in Political Science and History at Utah State University (USU), and a PhD in the History of Religion at Brigham Young University (BYU). Audrey earned a BS degree in English and MS degree in History, both from USU. Both served in various roles with the Mormon History Association, Utah Historical Quarterly, Mormon Historical Studies, and the Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee, which celebrated 150 years since the 1847 arrival of Mormon pioneers to Utah. Both were frequent newspaper and magazine contributors, and popular guest speakers at historical and religious meetings, symposia and conferences. After retirement, they served together in Nauvoo, Illinois, as tour guides and teachers at the Joseph Smith Academy.

In addition to numerous professional accomplishments, they raised five children and were often involved in researching and sharing the histories of their ancestors.

Extent

55.5 Linear Feet (113 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection consists of materials related to Kenneth and Audrey Godfrey in their roles as teachers, historians, administrators, and authors. Their work focused primarily on the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (also known as Mormons) and the early settlers of Cache Valley, Utah.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into 7 series.

Series I contains the materials collected by Audrey Godfrey. They are grouped by category: personal/biographical, papers/publications, historical topics, gospel topics, topics related to women, and other.

Series II contains Kenneth Godfrey's personal or biographical information.

Series III contains outlines and materials related to the many public speaking events at which Kenneth spoke. These are grouped by subject matter, when known.

Series IV contains articles, papers, and other published works.

Series V contains the teaching, research, and subject files in alphabetical order.

Series VI contains the incoming and some outgoing correspondence, arranged by date.

Series VII contains materials related to Kenneth's other professional service. This includes his roles as administrator, presenter, panelist, and member of professional organizations.

Original order is maintained where possible. Folder contents have some overlap but are organized into the series that represents the majority of the contents.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The Sesquicentennial materials in boxes 109 and 109a were donated to USU Special Collections in 1998 by Kenneth Godfrey. The remainder of the materials were donated in 2023 by Kenneth Godfrey.

Title
Guide to the Kenneth and Audrey Godfrey papers
Author
Finding aid created by Heather Housley and Clint Pumphrey
Date
2024
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)