Archives of the Diocese of Maine
This is a resource page of tips and tidbits for members of Maine congregations who are interested in learning more about handling their congregations' historical documents and what the diocesan archives has available. Beginning in the Pentecost 2001 edition of the Northeast, an article full of helpful information by Elizabeth Maule will appear both in the print edition and on this web page. A Little History...
Canon IX, of the Registrar, was adopted by Convention in 1861. The Registrar's duties included collecting and preserving Convention records and journals; preserving other documents illustrating the history of the Diocese; and reporting annually on the condition of all documents in his care. There was no official archival space, although the Cathedral occasionally provided an area for a "library." In 1973 Canon IX was amended by Convention to be "Of the Registrar and Archivist," thus creating the official position of Diocesan Archivist. Duties were expanded to include documents relating to any parish, mission or 8institution of the Diocese. A few years later, through the efforts of Rev. Larry Clark, Diocesan Registrar from 1990 and the first Archivist, a room in the basement of the Cathedral was converted into archival storage. Its best features are the strong door and lack of windows!
In spite of the early date of the founding of our Diocesan Archives, it was not until the 1970's that the materials received any kind of professional care. During the intervening years some documents disappeared and others suffered from mildew and insect damage, or simply the ravages of time. Rev. Clark made great strides in procuring not only a space with metal shelving, but also appropriate archival boxes and folders.
Your Diocesan Archives (non-current records only) at the present time occupy three spaces on three levels in two buildings. None of these spaces has adequate heat or humidity control. But there is an active program with professional staff hard at work one day per week. There is much to be done, and if you would like to volunteer, Archivist Elizabeth Maule would certainly appreciate your help. She may be contacted at the Diocesan Office on Mondays at 1-800-244-6062 ext. 37 or by email at emaule@episcopalmaine.org
The Archives of the Episcopal Church (based in Austin, Texas)
Helpful Articles Below:
- The Diocesan Archives: Not just a bunch of dusty papers anymore!
- What makes a piece of paper an archival document?
- No Shredding!
- Parish Records
- Oversized storage and unrolling plans and documents
- Tips on how to store those precious photographs
- Encapsulate! Protecting fragile documents
- When in Doubt, Don't Throw It Out!
- How to gain access to your diocesan archives
Editions of the Northeast missing from the Diocesan Archives
If you have any of the following issues, please contact Elizabeth Maule at the diocesan office at 1-800-244-6062 ext. 37.
Vol. 35 No. 11 June 1909
Vol. 39 No. 12 June 1912
Vol. 44 No. 5 & 6 November and December 1916
Vol. 59 No. 11 & 12 May and June 1932
Vol. 70 No. 2-? February 1943 (Archives only has #1)
Vol. [106?] all issues 1979 (Archives has not a one!)
