One of the questions I most often get is from churches wondering how to care for their records. It might be that they're a healthy church, but have the usual limited space. They may be merging or closing, though, too. The questions range from "How do I care for them?" to "Will you take our records?".
We have spent a great deal of time here in the archive creating resources to help churches with these issues. I have been offering a records management class both in house and out at churches. It's structured around the booklet I wrote about how churches can care for their own records. Please check out our page dedicated to records management. If your church/ association/ conference may have an interest in having the workshop visit, please call me. I'm also always available to discuss particulars if a church chooses to take on this sort of project.
For those facing the arduous task of closing their church, we have a specialized page of frequently asked questions. We also have a pamphlet that summarizes the questions and answers on that page in a handy tri-fold format if you need to share the information with less tech savvy people. It's also handy to have at the inevitable committee meeting. Above all, if your church is closing, contact me as soon as possible to discuss the safe transfer of the historical records (that includes material from the recent past, not just 50+ years ago). The process will take longer than you might expect. We're always happy to advise.
-Jessica
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