Congregational Library & Archives

We were happy to work with the Second Congregational Church of Warren, Maine to bring this collection, including administrative records and materials from the church's auxiliary groups, such as the Women's Circle, the King's Daughters, and the Mission Circle, to the CLA.

In addition to his work on abolition, suffrage, and equal rights, he also spoke out against the hypocrisy of religious leaders promoting slavery, arguing that “the religious press, the pulpit, the Sunday school… should array their immense powers against slavery and slave-holding.”

#DouglassWeek 2025 is underway in Boston, celebrating the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass. We are fortunate to have several of his works in our collection, including his autobiography and a first edition of his speech now known as “What to the Slave is the 4th of July?”

We had a fantastic time meeting neighbors and friends over the weekend at Beacon Hill HillFest 2025. Thanks for hosting, Beacon Hill Civic Association!

TODAY: Join us on Zoom at 1 pm EDT to celebrate the release of "Gathered Into a Church" with author, Dr. Lori Rogers-Stokes. Registration is free, quick, and easy via our website at congregationallibrary.org/events/gathe...

#ArchivesMonth starts tomorrow, but you can begin your celebrations early by registering for our next virtual Church Stewardship Initiative workshop on October 15th at 1 pm EDT.

Learn more and sign up for free via our website at congregationallibrary.org/events/findi...

Missionary Society of CT Gives Grant to Congregational Library Some of the boxes containing the historic Connecticut Conference archives after they were brought to the Congregational Library & Archives.  The ...

We are thankful to the Missionary Society of Connecticut for a $25,000 grant in support of our work to preserve the archives of the Historic Connecticut Conference of the UCC.

Read more about this important project from @sneucc.org here: www.sneucc.org/postdetail/m...

The CLA’s archivists, Zachary and Billy, are offering their always-popular Archives Edit workshop on arranging a church’s archive on Friday, November 7th at 14 Beacon.

Space is limited, so learn more and register soon at congregationallibrary.org/events/archi...

Thanks to everyone who was part of making our Religions of Revolution Symposium such a wonderful day of scholarship and conversation last Saturday. We hope to see you all at 14 Beacon again soon!

Coffee is key to a day of great scholarly conversations! ☕️

Heading into Boston today for the Religions of Revolution symposium, sponsored by @congrelib.bsky.social and the New England Quarterly. Looking forward to a great day of discussion thanks to @sarageorgini.bsky.social and Lauren Hibbert! #America250 www.congregationallibrary.org/religions-re...

I got to talk to my class this morning about the documents signed by Metacomet and about Wussausmon and the Massachusetts Bibles and really, archives are joy. My time @mhs1791.bsky.social and @congrelib.bsky.social and @bpl.boston.gov being brought into the classroom.

By popular demand, we are excited to announce a virtual version of our spooky “Spirits in the Stacks” program on October 14th at 1 pm EDT. Space is limited, so register now via our website at congregationallibrary.org/events/spiri...

👀 @uua.org

Join us October 21st on Zoom to mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of the American Unitarian Association and reflect on the shared legacies of Congregationalism with Dr. Dan McKanan.

Registration is free and open to all via our website at congregationallibrary.org/events/aua-b...

#OTD in 1775, Ebenezer Cleaveland wrote to his brother, separatist minister John Cleaveland from Camp Dorchester, thanking him for his “fraternal kindness” over a debt. He also reported that 23 men had arrived from Boston with seven “fine boats” for the war effort.

YouTube video by CongregationalLibrary Dr. Kristin Moriah on Her Book, "Insensible of Boundaries"

Learn much more about the incredible life and influence of Mary Ann Shadd Cary in the video from our “Insensible of Boundaries” program, now available on our YouTube channel at youtu.be/3PiObxUW-XY

Mary Ann Shadd Cary was remained close to her religious beliefs, but didn’t shy away from critiquing religious institutions in her work as a 19th-century Black feminist, abolitionist, and political activist.

TODAY: Join us at 1 pm EDT for a fascinating conversation with Dr. @kawulf.bsky.social about her new book, "Lineage: Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America."

Registration is free and open to all via our website at congregationallibrary.org/events/lineage

Make plans to join us October 1st on Zoom to celebrate the release of “Gathered Into a Church: Indigenous-English Congregationalism in Woodland New England,” with author, Dr. Lori Rogers-Stokes.

Learn more and register at congregationallibrary.org/events/gathe...

Learn more and register at congregationallibrary.org/events/nehh2...

Our New England’s Hidden Histories project turns 20 this year, and we’re launching our celebrations with a new digital exhibition, “NEHH@20.” Join curators Drs. Richard Boles and Tricia Peone to open the exhibition in a virtual program on October 29th.

Zachary and Billy are back with another Church Stewardship Initiative workshop! Join them October 15th to learn more about accessioning, the process of transferring a church’s records to an external archive.

Sign up to join the conversation at congregationallibrary.org/events/findi...

Thanks to everyone who came to our Scholars and Students of American Religious History Open House last week. It was fantastic to welcome you to 14 Beacon!

Looking forward to the conversation!

Registration for our "Religions of Revolution" symposium closes in two weeks, and limited seats remain, so register soon if you'd like to join us at 14 Beacon on September 27th.

Learn more and get your ticket at congregationallibrary.org/religions-re...

TONIGHT: Faculty and graduate students who teach American religious history are invited to join us for a free evening reception at 14 Beacon from 5:30-7 pm.

Come for the great conversation (and snacks), and stay to learn about our exciting research and fellowship opportunities!

YouTube video by CongregationalLibrary Archives & Church Legacy: Safeguarding Your Church's Mission and Memories

Explore a legacy study guide in the video of our “Archives and the Legacy Process” Church Stewardship Initiative workshop, now available on our YouTube channel at youtu.be/qRwwXNpaQ9U

What is a legacy study guide, and why should a church consider creating one—even if they aren’t nearing the end of their ministry? From grant applications, to church histories, and more, our archivists know the value of every congregation understanding and preserving their history.

Make plans to join NEHH Project Director Tricia Peone for @historicnewengland.bsky.social’s “A Story of Slavery and Resistance in Newbury” at the Dole-Little House in Newbury, MA on September 20th. Find more information and purchase your ticket at my.historicnewengland.org/23834/slaver...