by Bess Ruzich

Upon joining the team at the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, I quickly realized that I was undertaking a unique project—one that would be both challenging and deeply meaningful. Following the relocation from Nashville, we discovered missing or incomplete records that resulted in an unclear understanding of the scope of the collection. A lack of comprehensive documentation made it difficult to know what was held, where gaps existed, and how best to provide access to these records. Addressing this issue became an essential first step toward strengthening both internal knowledge and external research use. For me, the opportunity to bring clarity and consistency to a large and complex body of records was exciting, particularly given the long-term benefits such efforts would provide.

My first task was to determine what information needed to be captured in this initial survey. It was important to establish early on which details would be most useful to both staff members and researchers, ensuring that the survey would serve as a practical and sustainable tool. Recording too much information risked turning the project into an undertaking that could take years to complete, while recording too little would render the survey ineffective. After careful consideration, a balanced approach was developed, and I was off to the races.

Every day, working alphabetically by state, I examine the records of individual congregations. In some cases, this involves a single small box; in others, it requires reviewing nearly thirty record cartons. The process has been engaging, and it offers me insight into what each congregation valued and chose to preserve. Among the materials are photo albums, cookbooks, banners, plaques, artwork, and even a screenplay. Alongside these unique items are more familiar records such as bulletins, membership rolls, board minutes, and financial documents. Taken together, they form a broader narrative about each congregation’s life and legacy. For congregations that have since dissolved, these records may represent the only remaining evidence of a once-vibrant community. My hope is that this work ensures that those stories are not only preserved, but are made accessible to future generations of researchers and members alike.