Join ACA-Support Us
The Congregational Library and Archive is a non-profit organization that is open to the public and dependent on the support of its constituency for many of its projects. Our building and library are unique treasures, with the potential to become a nationally-recognized resource center for the study of American Congregationalism.
We have a basic annual membership level which for individuals is priced at $50. A student level membership is priced at $25, and an institutional membership (a congregation, for instance) is priced at $75. A membership will bring you a year’s subscription to the Congregational Bulletin, a quarterly publication with topical articles, book reviews, research tips, and news about Library programs. You will also receive regular notification of public events, including noon-time seminars, fall and spring lecture series, and workshops for local church historians and archivists. We do have a fundraising and membership drive at the end of each year, but anyone may join at any time. The library also happily accepts smaller donations if a membership is not possible.
The Library's uniqueness lies in its breadth and depth of collected resources dealing with the religious, political, economic, and cultural role of Congregationalism in the United States, with special attention to the New England region. The heart of this collection includes many rare books, pamphlets, and periodicals. The records of the Congregational agencies, local church and town histories and sermonic, theological and historical writings documenting five centuries of Congregational thought and activity complete the collection.
Pressing Priorities for the Next Year:
- Preserving irreplaceable Congregational records, including many brittle and valuable periodicals, to make them more accessible to scholars, lay people, and congregations
- Continuing the first stage of the enormous task of putting the entire library card catalog into an online catalog allowing easier searches and alerting the world to our unique collection
- Maintaining a first-class library and archive, serving local churches and conferences of the United Church of Christ, National Association of Congregational Churches, and the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference
- Constant repair and upgrading of the building at 14 Beacon Street serving both the Library and many non-profit organizations renting space from the American Congregational Association.
The American Congregational Association is fiercely proud of its heritage that emphasizes life-long scholarship, a person's right to think for themselves, and striving to improve ourselves and help our neighbors. This heritage- the core of our institution- has helped shape our country's ideals and it is critical to preserve both the history and current philosophy. Please help us maintain it.
Donating by Pay Pal
The Library activated its first Pay Pal account in October 2006. Patrons may click on the buttons at the top or bottom of this page, or use our dedicated email address, . This email is administered by Beth Spaulding. We request that patrons indicate in the notes option what the occasion is for the donation. For example: a service (reference, photocopying, digital copies), membership dues, or contribution to annual fund drive. Also indicate to Beth if a staff member has been assisting, particularly with a service.