The Keepers of Today’s Quaker Archives
Earlier this Fall, Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (ASMHPT) hosted a unique gathering of archivists and historians from across the Greater Philadelphia region, bringing together representatives from local schools, organizations, Quaker meetings, and historic sites. Sparked by a chance encounter between ASMHPT’s exhibit consultant, Elizabeth Tinker, and an archivist for Greene Street Friends School, an idea emerged — those responsible for Quaker collections and archives could benefit from a place to foster connections, share knowledge, and find resources.
Tara Tappert of Lancaster Meeting’s Archives and Records Committee shares details of a recreation of Lucretia Mott’s footstool.
At Arch Street Meeting House, which is currently undergoing renovations to its exhibits and property over a multi-year $4.7 million Capital Campaign, much of the historical collection stored in the Vault was recently cataloged and reorganized. However, gaps in documentation and the sheer number of items made it clear that a wider network of experts responsible for similar collections could be invaluable — many meetings, schools, and institutions that have Quaker artifacts in their archives are in a very similar predicament.
Record-keeping holds a significant place in Quakerism, reflecting values like integrity, transparency, and community. With this in mind, attendees of the gathering brought along favorite documents and artifacts from their collections, creating a fascinating showcase of local Quaker history and an opportunity for queries and sharing.
Since the early days of the Religious Society of Friends, Quakers have maintained meticulous records, documenting the evolution of the faith with everything from meeting minutes to testimonies, marriages, births, deaths, and even social disputes. The commitment to preserving these materials serves as both a spiritual and historical record, and highlights Friends’ dedication to learning from the past and preserving collective memory for future generations.
By building a collaborative of those interested in the preservation of Quaker legacy, ASMHPT hopes to not only enrich the meetinghouse’s internal archives, but to support a sense of community among those who are passionately doing this work at other sites across the region.
This gathering was the first step in building a regional network, and the group is excited to continue the work of cultivating these partnerships to ensure that Quakerism's rich cultural heritage is accessible to both Friends and the public alike.
Special Thank You To All of the Representatives Who Joined Us:
Friends Conference on Religion & Psychology
Friends Conference on Religion & Psychology
Interested in joining this community? Contact us to learn more.