What We're Saying

Here’s one New Year’s resolution you can keep! 

You can go from this:

to this:

in just a few easy steps!! 

It’s always nice to start off a new year with a clean slate, desk, office, etc. – and this year you can make it a little easier by downloading the publication, Archives and Records Management for Congregations: An Introduction and Guide from the Archives web page at http://www.ecww.org/departments/archives.  Look for this publication in the "Resources" box on the right!

I often get calls about what records to keep, how long to keep them, how to file and store them, and what to discard! This publication will provide you with the basic information you need to create and maintain a simple archives and records management program for your congregation. 

It includes a brief retention schedule for common parish and mission records outlining what records to keep and for how long as well as tips for maintaining your files and information on caring for historical materials.  It is not intended as a complete archives and records management manual, but is meant to be a handy resource for basic questions about records. Please call me for additional information.  I’m also available to visit your congregation and discuss your specific archives and records management needs and concerns! 

If you're really ambitious and would like a more detailed retention schedule go to the web site for the Archives of the Episcopal Church at http://www.episcopalarchives.org/ and under 'Resources' http://www.episcopalarchives.org/resources.html download the publication entitled, Records Management for Congregations.  

These two publications should be enough to get you off to a great start in the New Year!!

Diocese of Olympia Archives

Diane Well, CA

Archivist and Records Manager