The purpose of the Archives and History Project is to support the ministry of diocesan heritage preservation and will involve the collection, arrangement, description, and dissemination of the archives of the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Oregon and Ascension School.
The Episcopal Church has had a presence in Eastern Oregon since the late 19th Century, becoming a missionary district in 1907 and a diocese in 1970. Ascension School began its ministry in 1884 as a girl’s school, and then began its ministry as a camp and conference center in July 1924 following the election of Bp. Remington as the second bishop of Eastern Oregon.
The history of the diocese is rich, and the archives reflect the cultural heritage of the people, parishes, mission and ministry that came before. As the diocese moves into the future, it will be vital to understand and reflect on past lessons and experiences. The diocesan archives are in desperate need of maintenance and long-term preservation and require the expertise of a trained archivist and records manager.
The shared vision of Bp. Nedi Rivera, Patty Olson-Lindsey and Matt Carmichael is to continue the work of The Rev. Robert Carsner in collecting, arranging, describing and providing access to the history of the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Oregon and Ascension School. When this vision becomes a reality, EDEO and Ascension School will share its history with parishioners, clergy, campers, researchers and the community at large. This unique ministry provides opportunities for future cross-generational programs and camps, oral history sharing, parish and community celebrations, social media collaboration and education.
Project Timeline & Goals
● First 6 months (November 2013-May 2014)
The Episcopal Church has had a presence in Eastern Oregon since the late 19th Century, becoming a missionary district in 1907 and a diocese in 1970. Ascension School began its ministry in 1884 as a girl’s school, and then began its ministry as a camp and conference center in July 1924 following the election of Bp. Remington as the second bishop of Eastern Oregon.
The history of the diocese is rich, and the archives reflect the cultural heritage of the people, parishes, mission and ministry that came before. As the diocese moves into the future, it will be vital to understand and reflect on past lessons and experiences. The diocesan archives are in desperate need of maintenance and long-term preservation and require the expertise of a trained archivist and records manager.
The shared vision of Bp. Nedi Rivera, Patty Olson-Lindsey and Matt Carmichael is to continue the work of The Rev. Robert Carsner in collecting, arranging, describing and providing access to the history of the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Oregon and Ascension School. When this vision becomes a reality, EDEO and Ascension School will share its history with parishioners, clergy, campers, researchers and the community at large. This unique ministry provides opportunities for future cross-generational programs and camps, oral history sharing, parish and community celebrations, social media collaboration and education.
Project Timeline & Goals
● First 6 months (November 2013-May 2014)
- Move records from Ascension School to The Dalles;
- Clean records of bugs, dirt, dust, etc. in The Dalles;
- Organize storage room/archives in The Dalles;
- Clean and organize Bishops Office at Cove;
- Construct shelving units in The Dalles;
- Move records to archives in The Dalles;
- Start developing Diocesan Archives Policy and Retention and Disposition Schedules;
- Begin scanning/tagging Diocesan/Ascension School photographs;
- Create Diocesan Archives Website;
- Finalize Diocesan Archives Policy;
- Finalize and implement Diocesan Retention and Disposition Schedules;
- Dispose of old records;
- Continue scanning/tagging Diocesan/Ascension School photographs;
- Maintain Diocesan Archives Website;
- Take inventory of Diocesan collection
- Start developing collection finding aids;
- Provide instruction for oral history collection and sharing;
- Develop relationships with parishes for consultation and education;
- Arrange, describe, catalog records;
- Continue scanning/tagging Diocesan/Ascension School photograph;
- Maintain Diocesan Archives Website;
- Continue developing collection finding aids;
- Provide instruction for oral history collection and sharing;
- Continue developing collection finding aids;
- Finish scanning/cataloging Diocesan/Ascension School photographs;
- Maintain analog and digital preservation actions;
- Provide instruction for oral history collection and sharing;
- Submit Final Report on project to the Foundation at Convention Fall 2015;
- Develop long range goals and timeline for archives management and preservation;