Archives & History

We promote our heritage

Through fulfilling research requests from various parties, to speaking engagements, to webinars, online courses, podcasts, and so much more, we ensure that those in the pews, the seminaries, the pulpits, and beyond know what it means to be United Methodist.

We preserve our heritage

With over six miles of linear shelving, we house the primary documentary record of our connection. We also care for a digital vault, an artifact’s vault, and a growing digital archive/exhibit.

EXPLORE THE ARCHIVES

"From Crown to Conferencing" is a resource created by the General Commission on Archives and History and the New York Conference of The UMC to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

In a new video series titled "From Crown to Conferencing: Methodism and the New Republic," we reflect on the roles Methodists have played leading up to and after the Declaration of Independence was signed.

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The 2026 Heritage Sunday theme for The United Methodist Church is “The Spirit Falls Equally,” an acknowledgement that God calls – and always has called – all people, regardless of gender. Design by AI/Canva.

Heritage Sunday, celebrated the third Sunday of May, is a time for United Methodists to reflect on their legacy and consider their own place in the story of The United Methodist Church.


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Rooted Methodism - Getting to the root of us

"Rooted Methodism" a deep dive into American Methodism and the stories of groups, including women, race, medicine, education, reshaped the church.

From Crown to Conferencing

Turning the world upside down with 'Wesleyan Vile-tality'

It’s time to get uncomfortable, says Dr. Ashley Boggan, author of “Wesleyan Vile-tality: Reclaiming the Heart of Methodist Identity,” a book that challenges United Methodists to reclaim our Methodist roots, embrace holy disruption, and live out the radical, inclusive love that defines our faith. Learn more.

UM History Hub logo

Learn alongside the General Commission on Archives and History to understand the past, contextualize the present and envision the future. Courses include Local Church Historians' School, offered for free.

Un-Tied Methodism podcast logo. Courtesy of GCAH.

"Un-Tied Methodism," a podcast hosted by Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Commission on Archives and History's general secretary, takes a deep dive into The UMC's past, while offering context to what it means to be United Methodist today.


Contact Information

The General Commission on Archives and History welcomes visitors to its location at the United Methodist Archives and History Center on the campus of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, USA. Conveniently located 25 minutes from Newark International Airport and one hour from Manhattan, individual and group tours can be arranged by contacting [email protected].

Address 36 Madison Ave | Mailing Address P.O. Box 127, Madison, NJ  07940, USA | Phone 973-408-3189

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