G. Homer Durham papers

Collection

Identifier: ACCN 0847

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The G. Homer Durham papers (1850s-1985) contain materials resulting from Durham's (1911-1985) family relationships, his public duties in education, and his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Included is correspondence, writings by Durham and others, biographical information, event programs, diplomas, birth and marriage certificates, awards, notes, news clippings, estate records, meeting minutes, artwork, scrapbooks, journals, and publications. The materials have been organized in basic subject categories, but many documents often apply to multiple aspects of Durham's professional and personal activities. For instance, some of the correspondence present with the Arizona State University materials also applies to Durham's family and the University of Utah.

Dates

1850s-1985

Creator

Durham, G. Homer (George Homer), 1911-1985 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Some original items have been removed and placed in Reserve. Access must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the items if being used. Please refer to the inventory listing for further information.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Sketch

G. Homer Durham was born on 4 February 1911 in Parowan, Utah, but was raised in Salt Lake City. At the University of Utah, Durham received his B.A. in history and political science in 1932 and later served as vice president, director of the Institute of Government, and chairman of the Department of Political Science from the 1940s to 1960. In 1960, he became the president of Arizona State University (ASU). He served in this capacity until 1969 when he was offered the position of commissioner for Utah's higher education system. Durham served as Utah Commissioner of Higher Education from 1969 to 1975. As commissioner, he was involved with examining degree program proposals for colleges and universities; served in and with various committees and organizations, such as the Newcomen Society and Rotary Club; researched the effects of drugs and alcohol in Utah schools; took part in court cases involving the Utah System of Higher Education; and correlated with the state legislature on issues concerning Utah schools, among other duties. In the late 1970s, Durham was called to be a member of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Seventies and director of the LDS Church Historical Department. G. Homer Durham died in 1985.