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The Role of the Archives

Plymouth Congregational Church, one of the oldest and largest churches in Minneapolis, has a long history rooted in the Christian tradition; the Congregational heritage of its New England founders; and a commitment to progressive theology, outreach, arts and music. Each generation of Plymouth members interprets and enhances these traditions. The church Archives exists to ensure that this rich history is collected and preserved.

The committee seeks volunteers to assist the church in telling its story through well-maintained archives. Interested people should contact Mary Welfling.

CURRENT COLLECTION TASKS
Parsons Room Display Cabinets
The Archives Committee, primarily Mary Lou Mathison, has been responsible for the displays in the Parsons (formerly Heritage) Room. The Committee wants to increase awareness of these displays in order to promote an understanding of Plymouth’s history as well as the role of the Archives Committee in preserving that history.

Need: Additional resources to work with Mary Lou to review and document items in the Archives appropriate for display; to prepare and rotate displays; to solicit feedback on contents of the displays; and to ensure cleanliness of display cabinets

19th Century Records
The Archives has numerous books and documents from the early years of Plymouth’s history.  Some Clerk Reports and other documents have been catalogued and transcribed.

Need:  Resources to complete an inventory of 19th century documents and to develop:

• Requirements to preserve and store original documents
• Plan for transcribing documents requiring transcription
• An inventory of all 19th century records and integrate it into the Archives catalog
• Procedures for display of and access to 19th century records

Photographs
Mary Lou Mathison has sorted, reviewed, labeled and filed many old photographs. Don Norris has started an inventory of photographs.

Need: Resources to

• Continue to review old photographs and slides to identify dates and persons
• Continue a method to record and catalog photographs in the Archives
• Develop procedures to add photographs to the Archives’ collection
• Advise on methods and technologies to preserve photographs

Oral Histories:
Many Plymouth members have been interviewed to record their knowledge of Plymouth’s history.
Need: Resources to continue these interviews and recordings and to maintain a catalog of the oral histories.

Inventory of Art Objects and Furniture
A notebook of information/pictures of major pieces of Plymouth furniture was prepared a number of years ago. Objects have been moved, some may not be located, and new pieces may have been acquired.

Needs:

• Partner with Board of Fine Arts and Needlers to identify items to catalog and with Karen Hartz to document value of items that should be insured.
• Determine responsibilities for items displayed in the Parlor 
• Update the items, pictures, and current location as needed.
• Maintain the Inventory.

ANNEX AND OFFICE FILES
Materials stored in the Annex and numerous boxes from the office with up to 30 years of old files have not been reviewed for disposition, sorted nor cataloged. 

Needs: Resources to review the contents; determine what should be saved; file documents in appropriate boxes or create new catalog entries if needed; dispose of duplicates or documents not worthy of saving. Priority projects include:

• Sermons (paper)
• Articles of Incorporation and by-laws—create a record of original documents and track and document changes, including when possible the reasons for changes
• Board records for:
• Trustees
• Stewards
• Pastoral/Member Care
• Membership
• Outreach and predecessors
• Religious Education and successors

TECHNOLOGY-RELATED NEEDS
Archives Member Database
Don Norris has developed and maintained a complete database of Plymouth members 1857 to the present.  Plymouth is editing and redesigning its ACS member data.

Need: Persons with database expertise to understand Plymouth’s ACS software and the Archives Access database and to assist with their integration.

Preservation of Audio Files
Reels of Howard Conn sermons are stored in the Archives but are no longer technically accessible.  Sermons, programs, music events and others are retained on tapes, CDs and DVDs. 

Need: Persons with the knowledge of audio technologies to assist with establishing: 1) appropriate retention of audio files in their original medium; 2) items that should be retained in perpetuity; 3) methods of conversion and preservation for items worthy of long-term retention.

 

Plymouth Church in 1875, when it was located at Nicollet Avenue and Eighth Street.