Memory Work: A Guide for ELCA Congregational Archives and History

Memory Work: A Guide for ELCA Congregational Archives and History

Memory Work is produced as a service to parishes by the ELCA Region 3 Archives. One of the purposes of the Archives is to assist congregations in the work of documenting their history. Memory Work is a response to years of training sessions offered to congregational archives, history and heritage committees.

Consciousness of our shared recorded past, through the stories contained in our papers, films, photographs, portraits and audio and video tapes, is essential for understanding who we have been and who we are as Christ's church. Memory Work serves as a helpful introduction to the valuable work of congregational memory retention.

The guide is not intended to be comprehensive. You may have questions related to archiving and history that, for lack of space, have not been addressed in this piece. The Region 3 Archives periodically sponsors congregational archive training sessions and conferences. Individualized assistance with congregational archives and history committees is available upon request.

Please write to me at the Region 3 Archives at 2481 Como Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108. You can also reach me by e-mail: pdaniels@luthersern.edu, or phone at 651-641-3205. I will be glad to help you and your congregation with the work of saving your stories.

Paul A. Daniels
Archivist, ELCA Region 3
Archivist and Curator, Luther Seminary

Archival Services Offered to Congregations
Ways Congregations Can Donate to the Regional Archives
Organizing Congregational Archive Material
Suggested Topics for Congregational Records Collection
Sample Inventory Card
Preserving Congregational Archive Material
Archival Supply Sources
ELCA Region 3 Congregational Record Microfilming Program
Preparing Congregational Records for Microfilming
Microfilming Order Form
Cost of Microfilming
Guide to Oral History Interviews
Suggested Topics for a Written Congregational History
Celebrating Congregational Anniversaries

Memory Work: A Guide for ELCA Congregational Archives and History is prepared by Paul Daniels, Archivist and Curator of the Luther Seminary and ELCA Region3 Archives. ©1991, Revised 1998, 2001 and 2003. Reproduction and sharing is permitted, provided this credit is included.