Welcome to the Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic!

The Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic was formed in 1989 as a reorganization of The Historical Society of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America begun in 1952 and of its predecessor organizations, the first of which was founded in 1843.

LHS/MA’s Purpose
The mission of the Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic is to preserve, to document, and to stir interest in the rich Lutheran traditions which are the foundation of the church. Specifically, the Society intends to foster knowledge and use of Lutheran history in the synods and congregations and among individuals.

The Society carries out its mission by:

• Encouraging the collection and preservation of archival materials;
• Stimulating interest in synodical and congregational history;
• Assisting scholarly research;
• Publishing a newsletter; and
• Maintaining communication with others active in the field of Lutheran church history.

Look below for the latest news and information from the Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic.

Spring Program: A Tale of Two Lutherans: Schmucker, Bachman, and the Question of Slavery

LHS is proud to announce our Spring program: A Tale of Two Lutherans: Schmucker, Bachman, and the Question of Slavery, which will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 9:00 AM, at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg’s Valentine Hall. The presentation will be done by Dr. Richard M. Chapman
Associate Professor of History at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota.

In addition, we’ll be presenting “How Slavery Effected Folks in Adams County,” a co-presentation by Timothy H. Smith, Historian and Licensed Battlefield Guide, and Debra Sandoe McCauslin Founder of “For the Cause Productions? and author of “Reconstructing the Past: Puzzle of the Lost Community at Yellow Hill.”

Click here to download a registration form.

2012 Congregational Heritage Workshop: September 15, 2012

LHS will host a series of Congregational Heritage Workshops on the campus of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 9 to 3 PM. Registration will be 8:30-9:00 AM with a continental breakfast in Valentine Hall, followed by welcoming remarks and opening devotions, and a catered lunch is included. Workshop sessions include 1) Archives for Small Churches, 2) Local Lutheran Records, 3) Oral History; 4) Archival Preservation, 5) Congregational Anniversaries, 6) Pennsylvania German Baptismal Records, 7) Library Resources for Lutheran History, Writing Congregational Histories, and 9) Dealing with Dirty Linen (trouble-shooting the negative aspects of congregational history and anniversary planning). Workshop leaders include professional historians, archivists, and ordained clergy.

Click here to download the full WORKSHOP BROCHURE in PDF format.

Click here to download the WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FORM in PDF format.