About
Welcome to GCAH's Digital Exhibits
The General Commission on Archives and History is utilizing the Omeka platform to transform how the historical collections of The United Methodist Church are accessed and experienced. By creating digital exhibits, GCAH is expanding its reach beyond physical archives, offering congregations, researchers, and the global community an accessible, online gateway to explore United Methodist history. This digital initiative ensures that rare documents, photographs, and artifacts can be viewed from anywhere in the world, preserving them for future generations while enhancing public engagement with the Church’s heritage.
Through Omeka, GCAH is able to curate exhibits that tell meaningful stories and highlight key moments, figures, and movements within United Methodism. Each exhibit is designed with both academic and general audiences in mind, providing visual, textual, and interpretative content that deepens the understanding of the Church’s role in shaping social, spiritual, and cultural histories. This platform allows GCAH to continually add new exhibits, ensuring that the archives remain dynamic and reflective of ongoing research and discoveries, making United Methodist history more accessible and relevant than ever.
About GCAH
Established in 1968, the General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) is a general agency of The United Methodist Church focused on promoting and preserving UMC history. Our expansive repository is located on the campus of Drew University in the United Methodist Archives & History Center in Madison, N.J.
We offer assistance to local churches and Annual Conferences through online courses, publications, workshops, research services, and other programs. The Commission maintains relationships with the five Jurisdictional Commissions on Archives and History, the Central Conferences, the World Methodist Historical Society, the World Methodist Council, the Historical Society of the UM Church, and the Charles Wesley Society.
We offer online courses, a podcast, and other resources to assist individuals, congregations, small groups, and others to better understand the heritage of United Methodism. We offer support to researchers and students through annual awards and grants. We support United Methodist Heritage Landmarks and Historic Sites.
We Promote Our Heritage
At the heart of our mission lies the commitment to actively promote the rich and diverse heritage of The United Methodist Church. Our dedicated team engages in a wide array of activities designed to bring the church’s history to life for a diverse audience.
Research and Education
We provide comprehensive research assistance, catering to inquiries from scholars, church members, and the general public. Our expertise extends to an array of topics related to the United Methodist Church and its historical significance.
Engaging Platforms
Our outreach includes speaking engagements at various religious and academic forums. We also host webinars and online courses to offer deeper insights into the United Methodist heritage. These platforms are designed to be accessible to everyone from church members in the pews to theological scholars in the seminaries.
Innovative Media
To reach a wider audience, we have embraced modern media. Our podcasts and digital resources offer engaging ways to explore our church’s history and teachings, making them easily accessible for the digital age.
We preserve our heritage
Our commitment to preserving the heritage of The United Methodist Church is unwavering. We are the custodians of a vast collection of historical documents and artifacts, diligently safeguarding them for future generations.
Extensive Archives
Our facilities boast over six miles of linear shelving, home to a vast collection of documents that form the backbone of our connectional history. These archives provide an invaluable resource for researchers and historians.
Digital Vault
Recognizing the importance of modern technology in preservation, we maintain a state-of-the-art digital vault. This vault is not just a storage space but a dynamic repository, continuously updated with digitized records and documents.
Artifacts Vault
Alongside our document archives, we care for an extensive collection of artifacts that bring our history to life. From historical documents to religious artifacts, each item is a window into our past.
Growing Digital Exhibits
Our digital archive and exhibits are ever-expanding projects, showcasing the rich history of The United Methodist Church through interactive and accessible online formats.