How to Store Your Church’s Records: A Virtual Workshop with CLA Archivists Zachary Bodnar and Billy McCarthy

Zachary Bodnar and Billy McCarthy
Event promo graphic featuring the program title over an image of shelves filled with archival boxes.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023
1-2 pm EST


This event will held live on Zoom with an interactive Q&A

 


 

It is not always obvious what is considered safe and sufficient storage for archival and historic materials. There is a lot more to the proper storage of papers, artifacts, photographs, audio/visual materials, and textiles than meets the eye!

In this virtual program for those taking care of church or personal collections, CLA archivists Billy McCarthy and Zachary Bodnar are here to help demystify the confusing world of acid-free containers, spatulas, and clamshells.

In the first part of their presentation, Billy will explore the world of archival boxes, storage solutions, and physical supplies, touching on both best practices and practical alternatives. Then Zachary will discuss archival storage processes, such as how to properly folder a volume, the importance of removing metal fasteners, and why labels are critical.

The program will conclude with time to ask for expert advice on how to solve your most puzzling archival storage challenges!

“How to Store Your Church’s Records” is part of the Congregational Library & Archives commitment to helping churches preserve their valuable historical records. Check out the library’s YouTube page for more videos in the series.

The event is free to all, but registration is required via this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BEGW7IY6QcO3TPTwHg0KRw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

For more information, please email info@14beacon.org.


SPEAKER BIOS

Zachary Bodnar graduated with a Masters of Library and Information Science from Simmons University, with a concentration in archives management, in 2018. Prior to his work at the CLA, Zachary worked at the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden archive, the Vassar College Special Collections, the Harvard Law School Library, and the Harvard Botany Libraries. Zachary joined the CLA as an Archives Assistant in 2017, helping to prepare materials for digitization through the New England’s Hidden Histories program. In 2018, he took on the title of Archivist. His professional interests include metadata collection and management, digital archiving, audio/visual preservation, and archives management.

Billy McCarthy graduated with a Masters of Library and Information Science at Simmons University with a concentration in Archival Management. Billy started working at the CLA through a graduate internship and was hired full-time as an Archivist in 2018. His work includes processing some of the oldest and more complex collections housed in the archives and also manages reference requests and serves as the archival collections manager. Some of his professional interests include increasing access, collection management, processing of complex materials, and facilitating research.