Multiplication of Resources

Monte L. Bean: Naturalist and Benefactor of the BYU Life Science Museum (1899–1982)

Published August 25, 2026 at 7:19 AM

1970s · 1978
Provo, Utah
Todd Morgan

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Todd Morgan

Beaumont, CA, 92223

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Monte Lafayette Bean (1899–1982) was a naturalist, businessman, and faithful Latter-day Saint whose generosity funded the construction of the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum at Brigham Young University, which opened in 1978. He also donated a portion of his own natural-history collection to the museum, giving from his means that the rising generation of the Saints might learn of the creations of God. The museum was remodeled and expanded in 2012–2014 and continues to bear his name. Brother Bean's life is a faith-promoting witness of the faithful Saints who multiply the resources the Lord has blessed them with to build up the Lord's university and reveal the wonders of the Creation.

Sources & References

'Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum,' Intermountain Histories (https://www.intermountainhistories.org/items/show/415); 'Bean, Monte Lafayette (1899-1982),' HistoryLink (https://www.historylink.org/File/10921); 'Monte L. Bean Museum Giving,' BYU Life Sciences; 'BYU's Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum to Re-Open,' LatterDay Saint Magazine.

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Questions about this account

Who was involved in this account?
The account involves Monte Lafayette Bean. Each person named here also has a witness page collecting the other accounts involving them.
When did this account take place?
The account is set in 1978, in the 1970s.
Where did this account take place?
It took place in Provo, Utah.
What kind of miracle is this?
It is filed as a Multiplication of Resources account reported in United States.
Where does this account come from?
'Monte L. The full source citation appears in the Sources section below, with links to the original where available.

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