As the recent and devastating hurricanes Helene and Milton have reminded us, our communities are vulnerable to unpredictable natural disasters. The Disciples of Christ Historical Society is committed to partnering with local congregations to safeguard their historical documents and artifacts. Our mission is clear: to preserve and share our church’s history. This mission extends beyond the collections housed at our facilities—it includes the historical materials held by local congregations across the United States and Canada. By working together, we can take steps to protect our historical materials so that we can tell the sacred history of our church and the broader Stone-Campbell movement in the years to come.
Before the Disaster
No matter the type of disaster, water damage is the greatest threat to historical materials. Fires, floods, and storms all result in exposure to water, whether from the disaster itself or efforts to control it. By preparing in advance, congregations can better protect their historical documents and artifacts.
- Store in Optimal Conditions: Historical records should be kept in areas where they are protected from extreme temperatures and humidity. Avoid basements and attics, which are prone to flooding, temperature fluctuations, and moisture. If your congregation’s storage space is limited, we encourage you to reach out to us at the Historical Society for guidance on the best ways to optimize what is available.
- Keep Materials Off the Ground: Place historical materials on metal shelves, with the lowest shelf at least 4 inches above the floor to protect against leaks or flooding. For larger artifacts that cannot be shelved, elevate them on risers. This simple step can make a significant difference in protecting your congregation’s historical materials from water damage.
- Use Proper Storage Materials: Documents and small artifacts should be stored in acid-free cardboard boxes, which act as a first line of defense against water. Large artifacts that cannot be boxed should be covered with white cotton sheets or tablecloths to protect them from dust and dirt.
- Temporary vs. Long-Term Solutions: Plastic containers and sheeting can provide short-term protection if a disaster is imminent, but they are unsuitable for long-term storage. Plastic can trap moisture, encouraging mold growth. Our team at the Historical Society is always available to offer advice on long-term preservation solutions that suit your congregation’s needs.
- Label and Prioritize: Clearly labeling boxes and artifacts makes them easier to identify in an emergency. It’s important to also prioritize the items that are most vital to your congregation’s identity and story. Mark these key materials with reflective stickers, so they can be quickly salvaged. We encourage congregations to think about these priorities now and, if needed, we can help you determine which materials are most important.
After the Disaster
After a disaster strikes, the health and safety of your community comes first. Once it is safe to re-enter the affected area, the process of salvaging historical materials can begin. The Historical Society is here to assist congregations in this recovery process, offering advice and, if necessary, helping to connect you with professional restoration services.
- Drying Water-Damaged Materials: If only a few items are water-damaged, spread them out to air dry. Place paper towels between pages of books and documents to absorb moisture, and use fans to circulate air. Avoid direct airflow on delicate materials.
- Freezing Wet Documents: When space for drying is limited or when documents are heavily soiled, freezing them is a good option. This halts further damage and prevents mold. Freezing buys time, allowing professionals or congregants to clean and restore the materials at a later date.
- Calling in Experts for Large-Scale Damage: If large amounts of historical materials have been damaged, it’s important to seek professional help. Companies like Polygon and Belfor specialize in restoring historical records, and the Historical Society can help congregations find the best path forward.
Disaster Preparedness: A Shared Responsibility
At the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, we believe that preserving the history of the church is a shared responsibility. The records and artifacts held by local congregations are essential pieces of our collective story as a church. If your congregation needs assistance with disaster preparedness or recovery, or if you’re interested in learning more about best practices for historical preservation, we are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if there are questions you have about preparing your church’s historical records against the next natural disaster.