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News, events, updates, and tidbits from the Presbyterian Historical Society. Use tags to read related articles or sort by author for similar posts written by PHS staff members and volunteers.

December 17, 2017

--by Beth S. Hessel, Executive Director

The worth of an archives is not merely to be found in the records that it stores—nor in its journals, missionary letters, rare books, sepia photographs, films, or audio files. An archives finds its value in sharing those resources in useful and relevant ways with each new generation, so that an awareness of who we have been in the past shadows and shapes our knowledge of who we are today.

As the year winds to an end, I wanted to share my gratitude for the many ways I have personally been touched by these efforts to...

September 21, 2017

Former PHS Board Director Joan Chen Fong passed away this summer, succumbing to lung cancer after a valiant 45-month battle with the disease.

Ron Fong, in a note sharing word of his wife’s passing with her many friends and family, highlighted Joan’s exceptional bravery, determination, and grace. He asked for others to honor her memory by living “a quintessential life—a model, exemplary life worth imitating.” Friends and family will be remembering Joan Sunday,...

February 16, 2017

--by Beth Hessel, Executive Director

The recent presidential executive order temporarily banning travel to the United States by residents of seven Muslim-majority countries and by all refugees arrives as many Americans are remembering the 75th anniversary of Executive Order 9066. On February 19, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the order empowering the Secretary of War and his commanders to exclude any persons from the West Coast of the United States...

November 15, 2016

Several years ago, my children and I began keeping a “Gratitude Journal.” Most evenings we write down the things and people and moments from our day for which we give thanks. As I enter my eighteenth month as the executive director of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s national archives, I’m taking a moment to note some of the many reasons I am grateful for PHS. 

PHS Reading Room, September 2016.

I am...

December 16, 2015

For the past six months, people have asked me, “Are you settled yet?” What a seemingly simple question that is, yet I never quite know how to answer it. What counts as settled?

As far as my home life is concerned, my children are making friends and doing well at school, there are more places I can travel to without relying on Google maps, and my attention is turning from unpacking and painting to repairs around the house. Does that count as settled?

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