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Learn More  The Congregational story is the American story. Let us share why Congregational history matters.

 

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WHAT'S NEW

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EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT 14 BEACON

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HEAR FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Let members of our community share why they support the Congregational Library & Archives.

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    "As a historian studying the religious lives of people of color in early America, the Congregational Library's holdings have been vital to my research. It has honestly been one of the most pleasant places to work, in terms of the beauty of the updated spaces, the organization and utility of the archival materials, and especially the helpfulness of the staff. I have truly enjoyed working with, and benefiting from the expertise of, some of the most impressive library staff I've ever encountered in two decades of historical research." 

    Dr. Edward E. Andrews 
    Providence College, 2022-2023 NERFC Research Fellow

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    "From stumbling onto the first Polish woman pastor in history in their reading room, to providing me a research fellowship and guidance with their collection, the CLA has broadened my research and the scope of my book. I cannot imagine it without them and their help. They are as amazing as their collection."

    Rev. Dr. Kazimierz Bem  
    Pastor, First Church in Marlborough, MA and CLA Researcher

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    "These church records are the single greatest untapped primary resource in American history. My deep engagement with the records of so many towns over so many centuries enables me to challenge some well-established ideas about religion and society,” and have “revolutionized my scholarly understanding of the puritans."

    Dr. Lori Rogers-Stokes  
    Public Historian and New England's Hidden Histories Transcriber

Learn About Upcoming Events Online and at 14 Beacon

Join us throughout the year for virtual discussions with scholars, authors, and experts in Congregationalism, history, and library/archival practice.

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BEACON STREET BLOG

Keep up with recent updates from 14 Beacon and learn more about our collections.

  • Welcome New Board Members

    July 9, 2024

    The Congregational Library & Archives is pleased to welcome Diana Butler Bass and Carrie Call to the Board of Directors this month.

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  • Rev. Dr. Arvel M. Steece Fellowship Opportunity

    July 1, 2024

    The Congregational Library & Archives is proud to announce a new annual research fellowship opportunity in honor of Rev. Dr. Arvel M. Steece.

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  • Identifying America's First African-American Seminary Graduate

    June 10, 2024

    Charles Bowles Jr. was a pastor in far northern New York near the Saint Lawrence River before the Civil War.

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  • CLA's 2024 Summer Reading Lists

    May 24, 2024

    In celebration of our 171st birthday on May 25, 2024, we are pleased to give you a first look at our 2024 Adult and Young Reader Summer Reading Lists.

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  • NEHH Receives Atla Grant

    May 15, 2024

    The CLA is pleased to announce that its NEHH project has been awarded a digitization grant from Atla.

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  • Preserving Five Generations of Women's Stories

    March 11, 2024

    The Capron Family Papers collection is unique, not only because of the extraordinary life led by its central figures, Sarah and William Capron, but because of the five generations of letter writers found within the collection.

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  • Collections Highlight: "The Crisis"

    February 29, 2024

    The Crisis, the official magazine of the NAACP, was first published in 1910 by W. E. B. Du Bois as the first editor-in-chief.

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  • Exploring Black & Indigenous Hidden Histories

    February 26, 2024

    In archives, libraries, and museums, the remediation of historical oversights can take many forms.

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  • Narratives of Slavery and Freedom at the CLA

    February 15, 2024

    Among the many books and pamphlets Congregationalists were reading during the 19th century were the narratives of formerly enslaved persons.

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