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Making the past relevant to the present

The Congregational Library and Archives strives to enliven a tradition of care for the world's future by preserving and interpreting the stories of the past.

a group of researchers read manuscript records

Grow Deeper Roots

Learn the story of the Congregational and Christian tradition and why "history matters" in the world today.

a path in the historic Granary burial ground

Find a Congregationalist

Search our database of thousands of Congregational and Christian ministers and missionaries spanning nearly four centuries.

an original manuscript record book and an article about NEHH in the New York Times

Records rescued for the future

We're expanding our New England's Hidden Histories program with some help from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

author and historian Randall Balmer entertains his audience

History comes alive at events

Join us for a workshop, discussion, or performance. Visit our Events page for details about all our upcoming opportunities.

New England's Hidden Histories

Congregational church records are an unparalleled source of information about the religious activities of the early colonists, and about many other aspects of early American life. The Congregational Library and Archives, in partnership with the Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale is currently preserving these records and making them available to the public.
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Transcribe an 18th-Century Document

Upcoming Events

gravestones in the Granary Burial Ground

History Matters Series - "The Many and Sudden Deaths"

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Speaker: Nicholas E. Bonneau

Epidemics and Awakenings in the First Congregational Church of Haverhill, Massachusetts, 1735-1740

In May of 1736, John Boynton of Haverhill, Massachusetts, proclaimed to...

Oct

October 17, 2016

Fellow Presentation - Let Us Not Sell Our Birthrights

Oct

October 19, 2016

History Matters Series - American Philosophy: A Love Story

News & Highlights

New archival collection - Llewellyn Parsons Smith

Rev. Dr. Llewellyn (Lelly) Parsons Smith is a retired minister in Massachusetts. She has given her time to a number of groups over the years, including the Mass.

The latest additions to our New England's Hidden Histories program come from two churches that have survived many changes.

There are two new additions to our New England's Hidden Histories program, both of which have experienced changes in geography since their creation.

We are pleased to announce two new additions to our New England's Hidden Histories program — the early records from West Parish Church in Barnstable, and a volume of advice from an anonymous man facing his own mortality.

Welcome

Explore the history of one of the nation's oldest and most influential spiritual traditions.

LIBRARY HOURS
Monday through Friday
9am - 5pm and by appointment

LIBRARY CLOSINGS
Columbus Day: Oct. 10
Veterans' Day: Nov. 11

Online Catalog

Search for books, serials, pamplets, images, manuscripts and archival record collections

Become a Member

Explore the benefits available when you become a member of the Library.

Beacon Street Diary

Explore our blog to learn about our latest acquisitions and interests

Obituary Database

Search over 30,000 obituary listings for clergy and missionaries spanning more than three centuries.

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