PW historians do the vital work of recording how PW groups live out the PW Purpose. Just as there is no one way to be a PW group, there’s no one way to record PW histories! The most important guideline is that the yearly report shows what your group does—that may mean photos and stories of mission work, highlights of traditional celebrations of the Offering or liturgical holidays or reflections on why a Bible study or event had particular impact.
Download a brochure on keeping PW histories.
Additional guidance, including sample job descriptions for PW historians, is in the free download PW Essentials: A Guide for PW Groups. Or, watch a video on “How To Preserve PW History,” with David Staniunas from the Presbyterian Historical Society.
Templates for PW histories
If your PW in Synod or Presbytery has a template or standard outline for PW group histories, use the format they suggest.
PWC History Template (available as Adobe fillable form or Word document)
Retention policies
In addition to annual historical records, PW groups may need to maintain or create various other records. Check the Records Retention Schedule created by the Presbyterian Historical Society for how long common types of records must be kept.
Best practices for archiving
- Use acid-free paper for all printed minutes and annual historical reports.
- Avoid plastic tape, rubber bands, staples, metal paper clips, rubber cement, albums with adhesive-coated pages, plasticized
(PVC-polyvinyl chloride) sheets. - For any printed materials produced on poor quality paper, such as newspaper clippings, if at all possible, make a photocopy on acid-free paper for your files. The originals can be destroyed.
Best practices for creating PW history displays
A well-planned and attractive exhibit which tells some facet of your organization’s history will be of interest to all. The following guidelines will help in planning and constructing a display:
- Protect items from theft, fire and other potential hazards.
- Develop a theme to tie the materials together. Carefully select the artifacts that carry out the theme and label with concise, readable captions.
- Display various types of items blended with different colors, sizes and textures to make an eye-catching exhibit.
- Change the exhibit regularly to maintain interest and to ensure that materials are not damaged by light, dust, temperature and humidity.
- Protect items from harsh light such as direct sunlight or unshielded fluorescent light in display cases. A two or three month exposure may be tolerated; change exhibits on a quarterly basis. Do not exhibit fragile items.
- Information on PW’s national history is available to enrich your timelines or displays.