Introduction
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Region 6 Archives is part of the network of ELCA Churchwide and Regional Archives. The ELCA Region 6 Archives was established in 1992 with the cooperative support of the Region 6 synods. The ELCA Region 6 Archives serves the six ELCA synods located in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
Archive Hours - The ELCA Region 6 Archives is temporary closed due to staff transition. Please contact your local synod office for assistance.
The ELCA Region 6 Archives is located in the lower level of Mees Residence Hall with an office presence in Room 156 at Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University's Hamma Library. Patrons are encouraged to schedule an appointment prior to arrival.
Parking is available in the Visitor parking spaces of the F7 parking lot outside of Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University. Please see Capital University's Maps and Locations for a campus map and directions.
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
Reference services are provided on-site at the archives, by mail, phone, or email request.
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.
Collections
ELCA Synod and Predecessor Body Minutes Collections
Congregational Publication Collections
Congregational Histories: Indiana
Congregational Histories: Kentucky
Congregational Histories: Michigan
Congregational Histories: Ohio
Closed Congregation Collections
Congregational Records: Indiana and Kentucky
Congregational Records: Michigan
Congregational Records: Ohio
Personal Papers Collections
Other ELCA Archives
ELCA Archives Website
ELCA Regional Archives