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Jan Shipps papers, 1909-2018

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Shipps, Jan (Jo Ann Barnett), 1929-
Title
Jan Shipps papers
Dates
1909-2018 (inclusive)
Quantity
29.5 linear feet, (60 boxes)
Collection Number
UUS_COLL MSS 569
Summary
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.
Repository
Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives Division
Special Collections & Archives
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
Logan, UT
84322-3000
Telephone: 4357978248
Fax: 4357972880
scweb@usu.edu
Access Restrictions

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

Languages
English
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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.

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Historical Note

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.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on 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.

Preferred Citation

Initial Citation: The Jan Shipps Papers, USU_MSS_569. Special Collections and Archives. Utah State University Merrill-Cazier Library. Logan, Utah.

Following Citations:USU_MSS_569, USUSCA.

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Administrative Information

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.

Acquisition Information

These materials were donated to Utah State University in 2019 by Stephen Shipps, the son of Dr. Shipps. Additional material was donated in 2025 (primarily box 40a).

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Mormon Church--History--19th century.
  • Mormon Church--History--20th century.
  • Mormonism (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Finding aid written by Heather Housley, Drew Roberson, and Clint Pumphrey.
2023

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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