CONGREGATIONAL LIBRARY & ARCHIVES

"The relationship has been transformational"

“History matters” is the watchword at the Congregational Library & Archives, in the heart of downtown Boston, a city often associated with its Puritan heritage. Established in 1853, the Congregational Library & Archives’ mission is to foster a deeper understanding of the spiritual, intellectual, cultural, and civic dimensions of the 400+ year Congregational story and its ongoing relevance in the 21st century. It does this through free access to a research library of 225,000 books, pamphlets, periodicals, and manuscripts and a Digital Archive, with more than 110,000 images, many drawn from its New England’s Hidden Histories project. Throughout the year it offers educational programs and research fellowships for students, scholars, churches, and anyone interested in Congregationalism’s influence on the American story.

“I inherited YPTC from the previous interim executive director,” recalls Kyle B. Roberts, Executive Director, who explains that the organization at the time was undergoing a leadership transition. “We did a thorough basement-to-attic look at our finances. We tried to hire a full-time office/business manager, but the market was so tight and finding someone at a price point that we as a small nonprofit could afford was beyond our means.”

YPTC began providing outsourced services in July of 2022. “The relationship has been transformational,” says Roberts. “Having YPTC’s people working at a distance on an hourly basis and having access to their range of knowledge and expertise is beyond the dreams of what we would be able to do. It’s certainly been better than having me and my board of directors trying to figure out the intricacies of reporting laws.”

Roberts notes that YPTC has been especially helpful with detailing budget figures for the organization’s grant writing applications and grant reporting. “It’s all been great. The team is really responsive,” he adds. “It’s worth the money.”

30-YEAR CONGRATULATIONS: “Congratulations on 30 years of helping us nonprofits…”

Congratulations on 30 years of helping us nonprofits do the work we do. We’re looking forward to seeing what the next 30 years will bring!”

— Kyle B. Roberts, Executive Director

The Congregational Library & Archives

Boston, Mass.