- BYU acquired Sen. Orrin Hatch's documents, enhancing congressional history access for students.
- The collection includes 3,000 boxes of legislative records and private papers.
PROVO — Brigham Young University will acquire the collected papers of former Sen. Orrin Hatch, President Shane Reese announced Thursday, to give students unique access to one of the largest collections of congressional history in the West.
The acquisition will include more than 3,000 boxes of legislative records, private papers, and other documents spanning the career of Utah's longest-serving U.S. senator, who died in 2022 after 42 years in Congress's higher chamber.
Reese made the announcement at the annual Orrin G. Hatch Foundation Titan of Public Service Award Gala, saying the move will give BYU scholars and students an unprecedented view into the meetings, negotiations and remarks of "one of BYU's most distinguished alumni."
"Sen. Hatch was also a champion of civil dialogue and constitutional government — values that align with the principles we uphold at Brigham Young University," Reese said.
"This effort will not only enrich the academic research, but it will also inspire the next generation of principled leaders — that is a legacy worthy of Sen. Hatch and one BYU is proud to help carry forward."
Over his more than four decades of public service beginning in 1977, Hatch passed more pieces of legislation than any member of Congress, totaling over 750 bills, and was recognized in his final term in office as the most effective member of the Senate.
Given the nickname "Gentleman of the Senate," Hatch was known for his decadeslong friendship with Massachusetts Democrat Sen. Ted Kennedy, and his sponsorship of landmark legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
This legacy showcases "a rare contribution of principle, pragmatism and compassion," Reese said Thursday night before a room of community leaders, lawmakers and several members of Hatch's family. Elaine Hatch, the senator's wife of nearly 65 years, died in May.
"I cannot tell you how delighted we are that the Hatch Papers Collection has finally found a home at Sen. Hatch's beloved alma mater, BYU," said Matt Sandgren, the executive director of the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation, and Hatch's final chief of staff.
