The Norweb Collection - An American Legacy

Always the pedagogue whatever his latest venture, Liberty was instrumental in founding the Salt Lake Academy which opened its doors on September 9, 1878 with 100 students. The Academy was modeled after New England institutions (here we see reflection of Liberty's early career), and was dedicated to meet the needs " ...for destitute portions of this and neighboring Territories, to prepare for entrance into foremost institutions, classical or scientific; to fit young persons for the study of a profession or entrance into a business:' Established in rooms neighboring Independence Hall, owned by the First Congregational Church of Salt Lake City, the Academy included in its list of prohibitions that "No tobacco would be tolerated:' Liberty was president of the Academy from its opening until 1890, when the public school system was adopted. There were no public schools in Salt Lake City during this period, and the Academy was the sole educational institution there which was not organized and maintained by the Mormon Church.