2022 Annual Report

Dear friends,

Last year was transformational for the Presbyterian Historical Society. While the coronavirus lingered, we continued to steward and share our archives with a focus on narratives that had received little attention in the past. Using our traditional print publications, our electronic communications, and our online programs, we sustained connections with the denomination and the community. And we took a major step in reconnecting in-person with our stakeholders and constituents—from the Board of Directors to scholars and the public.

Our first gathering in person was a reception hosted by PHS Advisory Council member John R. Buchanan in New York City where donors, researchers, Board members, and friends of PHS reunited to hear updates on collections and special initiatives at the society. A few weeks later, most of the PHS Board gathered in Philadelphia for a hybrid Board meeting. For some members, it was the first opportunity to talk face to face. During the meeting, a crowd of almost 200 gathered on a perfect fall evening for the much-delayed opening of the Building Knowledge and Breaking Barriers exhibit, a collaboration between PHS and Community College of Philadelphia. In November, PHS co-hosted a book talk at Columbia Theological Seminary with Rev. Dr. William Yoo, author of What Kind of Christianity: A History of Slavery and Anti-Black Racism in the Presbyterian Church. The event was well attended by PHS Board members, staff and students of the seminary, and the local community.

Our archives continued to expand as congregations, mid councils, and PC(USA) national agencies deposited records at PHS or took advantage of digitization. And, through the African American Leaders and Congregations Collecting Initiative, we saw growth in records and personal papers that highlight the witness of Black Presbyterians in the PC(USA).

Thank you so much for supporting our ministry with your engagement, donations of historical materials, and gifts of financial support. None of this is possible without you. 

Sincerely,

Nancy J. Taylor, Executive Director

Susan Aggarwal, Chair of the PHS Board of Directors