ELCA Region 6 Archives

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Region 6 Archives is part of the network of ELCA Churchwide and Regional Archives. Established in 1992 with the cooperative support of the Region 6 synods, the Region 6 Archives serves the six ELCA synods located in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

PURPOSE

• To preserve and make available the official and permanently valuable records created by Region 6 synods and institutions.
• To provide archival support to the Lutheran congregations and institutions operating in each participating synod of the Region 6 Archives.
• To identify and collect the records of antecedent bodies (synods, districts, defunct Lutheran institutions and congregations).

SERVICES

Reference

We are pleased to provide reference assistance for a range of inquiries.

Submit an Inquiry

Support for ELCA Congregations, Synods, and Organizations

The ELCA Region 6 Archives provides support to ELCA congregations, synods, and organizations located in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and the Lower Peninsula of Michigan through individual consultation and workshops. Topics include (but are not limited to):

• Establishing a congregational archive
• Celebrating a congregational anniversary
• Compiling a congregational history
• Suggestions for records retention
• Caring for the parish register
• Preserving electronic documents

To assist with records management and the care of historical records, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America provides the following resources for ELCA congregations and synods:

• A Brief Guide for Archives of Congregations
• Comparison of Microfilm and Digital Preservation Technologies
• Disposition of Records of Disbanding Congregations
• Maintaining the Parish Register
• An Order for the Disposal of Deteriorating Bible and Other Respected Publications
• Records Retention Schedule for Synods of the ELCA
• Records Retention Schedule for Congregations of the ELCA
• The Work of a Congregational Archivist and/or Archives Committee

Policies

Access Policy

The archive makes research materials available to all registered patrons in accordance with Region 6 Archives policies and practices.

Collection Policy

The Region 6 Archives is the official repository for the archival records of ELCA Region 6 synods and predecessor bodies. The Archives preserves the records of disbanded ELCA congregations. Active congregations are responsible for keeping their own records. The archive does collect congregational histories and microfilm copies of congregational records for reference and preservation purposes. Inactive records of institutions, organizations, and ministries supported by the Region 6 synods and predecessors will be collected when no other provisions for their preservation exist. The Region 6 Archives cooperates with ELCA Churchwide and other regional archives to preserve records of the ELCA ‘s predecessor bodies.

Research Fee Policy

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Region 6 Archives strives to serve researchers and their various needs and requests. A key aspect of the Archives’ mission is to preserve and make available the official and permanently valuable records created by Region 6 synods and institutions. To better serve the entire research community, the ELCA Region 6 Archives has implemented the following Research Fee Schedule:

• Each hour of research will be charged in half-hour increments at $30.00 per hour. The first half-hour will be free.
• Photocopies are $0.30/page.
• A $5.00 fee will be charged to patrons seeking verification of their baptisms and/or confirmations.
• All researchers will be sent an invoice (either by postal mail or electronic mail) before the research results are sent. Upon payment, research results will be provided.
• Invoices include information on research time and photocopy charges.
• ELCA synods and congregations will not be charged for the time; however, an invoice statement will be provided showing the amount of time for research and the number of photocopies made. No fees will be listed on the invoice.
• Researchers who do on-site research will be charged only for photocopies, in accordance with the Photocopy Policy of the archives. They will be provided an invoice for their records.