SEJ Heritage Center Policies
The SEJ Heritage Center is the official repository for the records of agencies and ministries that operate (or have operated in the past) at the jurisdictional level within the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. Heritage Center collections are available to all researchers and provide primary and secondary research materials to staff, genealogists, scholars, and others interested in learning about the history of Methodism with special emphasis on the Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ). Of particular interest are the records of Lake Junaluska Assembly (1911-present) which constitute the largest of our collections.
As the official repository for SEJ records, the Heritage Center:
· works with staff of all SEJ agencies and ministries to evaluate the records they create and to select those that need to be preserved for future use
· works with donors to collect papers, photographs, audiovisual materials, and other materials that document the history of Methodism in the southeastern United States
· works with annual conferences and churches within the SEJ to provide training and assistance with conference and church archives
· promotes and sponsors programs and activities that facilitate information, interpretation, and research on Methodism within the SEJ.
Collecting Policy
The SEJ Heritage Center holds artifacts, books and documents relating to the history of The United Methodist Church and its antecedents, with special emphasis on the Southeastern Jurisdiction. The Heritage Center selects, preserves, and makes available materials related to Methodism in the southeastern United States. Materials include, but are not limited to, records documenting the history of Lake Junaluska Assembly and its related organizations; annual conference journals; local church histories; biographical information on clergy and other prominent individuals within the SEJ.
Materials are selected for their enduring historical, administrative, fiscal, or legal value, and include records, manuscripts, photographs, audio visual material, and publications.
Access Policy
The SEJ Heritage Center collections are available to all researchers, regardless of religious preference or research topic.