This Giving Tuesday, let Rev. Dr. Maxwell Grant, Chair of our Board of Directors, share how your support can help us preserve the Congregational story; amplify new voices; and inspire scholars, students, and history enthusiasts.

Partner with us today at congregationallibrary.org/donate

“There's something about the materiality of interacting with something that you know was held and created by the person whose words you're reading… It is a way of speaking with and interacting with a record from hundreds of years ago.”

Examining the past compels us to consider the voices documented in manuscripts alongside the many voices that were obscured. Learn more about investigating silent Indigenous voices in early American documents from Anthony Trujillo in our NEHH@20 exhibition: ow.ly/JrFV50XtCaE

This recently catalogued rare book is a mid-17th century English history of the Crusades that includes wax seals and a manuscript letter. Most of the writing appears to be by Rev. John Dampier (1778-1841) of Somerset relating to the history of his family.

“There were other aspects of puritanism, especially Congregational polity, a love of freedom, that they thought was the real essence of puritanism, which is why they sincerely thought that they were the authentic heirs of puritanism.”

How much do you know about Squanto, the man behind the Thanksgiving myths? Take a new look at this old story in the video and transcript from our 2024 “Squanto: A Native Odyssey” book talk at congregationallibrary.org/video/squanto

Take a look a few of our new library acquisitions that are available for anyone to use in our reading room alongside our collection documenting the 400+ year history of Congregationalism.

Ready to make an appointment? Find all the info you need at https://congregationallibrary.org/visit

Early Congregational church records preserve stories that capture the rich complexity of community life, from the milestones of birth and death, to impassioned fights for justice, the anxieties of tragedy and war, and the many celebrations and controversies of everyday life.

When you’re looking for a home for your church’s archive, will repositories want those digital copies you’ve made of your records? And what should you do with the original items once you’ve made digital copies? (Spoiler: Keep them!)

A ghost story for Halloween that’s Cotton Mather approved. 👻

Looking for more Mather this spooky season? Explore our CLA Cotton Mather Bibliography at https://congregationallibrary.org/cotton-mather-bib