Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Southern Baptist Historical Library & Archives
Established in 1938, our institution serves as the central depository for Southern Baptist Convention records and a global research hub for Baptist history. We house over 10,000 square feet of archival materials including rare Bibles dating to the 1600s, microfilm collections, church records, and comprehensive Baptist newspaper archives. Our facilities feature environmentally controlled storage, audio-visual research rooms, and digital access through sbhla.org. Governed by the Council of Seminary Presidents, we provide reference services, duplication capabilities, and specialized study grants to support academic research. Our microfilm program preserves church histories at cost-effective rates while maintaining public access to original documents.With staff expertise spanning decades, we assist researchers in navigating Worldcat, Southern Baptist Periodical Index, and our proprietary catalog system. Our Nashville location offers on-site parking, Wi-Fi access, and extended research hours by appointment. We maintain strict preservation standards for fragile materials while facilitating modern research needs through digital resources. Our team provides expert guidance for church anniversaries and historical documentation projects. As stewards of Baptist heritage, we balance academic rigor with community accessibility to ensure historical continuity for future generations.
Services
Archival Research
Microfilm Services
Study Grants
Digital Resources
Church Records Preservation
Details
- Year established: 1938
Highlights and features
- We offer access to the largest collection of Baptist historical materials worldwide
- Our microfilm program preserves church records at cost-effective rates
- We provide study grants to support academic research in Baptist history
- Our staff maintains expertise in Baptist archival preservation techniques
- We offer environmentally controlled storage for rare and fragile documents
Services
Archival Research
Our research center provides access to over 10,000 square feet of Baptist historical materials. Researchers can explore physical collections, digital archives, and specialized catalogs. Our staff assists with locating rare documents and navigating preservation protocols.
Microfilm Services
We offer professional microfilming of church records at affordable rates. This service includes creating duplicate copies stored in our fireproof vault while maintaining original document accessibility for congregations.
Study Grants
The Lynn E. May, Jr. Study Grant program supports researchers with up to $750 for travel expenses. These grants specifically assist historians and students conducting in-depth research using our archival collections.
Digital Resources
Our digital platform provides remote access to catalog records, finding aids, and scanned historical documents. This service expands research capabilities for users unable to visit our Nashville facility in person.
Church Records Preservation
We specialize in preserving church histories through proper archival techniques. Our services include consultation on record organization, digitization options, and long-term storage solutions for congregational documents.
People
Taffey Hall
Director
Taffey Hall leads the Southern Baptist Historical Library & Archives with over 20 years of archival management experience. She oversees collection preservation, research services, and strategic initiatives for expanding digital access to Baptist historical materials.
Beverly League
Accountant
Beverly League manages financial operations for the Southern Baptist Historical Library & Archives. With extensive nonprofit accounting experience, she ensures proper stewardship of donations and grant funds supporting archival preservation efforts.
Questions
What collections are available at the Southern Baptist Historical Library & Archives?
We house over 10,000 square feet of Baptist historical materials including rare Bibles, church records, microfilm collections, and Southern Baptist Convention archives.
Can I access materials online?
Yes, our digital resources include online catalogs, finding aids, and scanned documents available through sbhla.org for remote research access.
How can churches preserve their historical records?
We offer microfilming services starting at $150 for most church records, with duplicate copies stored in our fireproof vault for long-term preservation.
Are study grants available for researchers?
Yes, the Lynn E. May, Jr. Study Grant provides up to $750 for travel expenses to support research using our archival collections.
What are the library's operating hours?
We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with extended hours available by special appointment.
How can I donate materials to the archives?
Contact our director to discuss potential donations of Baptist historical materials. We provide appraisal assistance and donation agreements for accepted collections.
