WHICH CONGREGATIONS HAVE RECORDS ON FILM? Through the years there have been many congregational records filmed under different programs. There is no comprehensive online list of which ones have been filmed, but the ELCA Archives staff can determine if the specific ones you are interested in have been filmed. Typically, the films will contain records of "ministerial acts", such as baptisms, confirmation, marriages and funerals. The films may also contain a membership list and many congregations have had official meeting minutes filmed.

MAY FILMS BE USED AT THE ARCHIVES? Yes, you may visit the ELCA Archives, Chicago, and use the microfilm reels that are of interest in the reading room. A self-service reader-printer is available and the cost for copies is $.25 per page. Be sure to make an appointment with a reference archivist in advance of your research visit.

ARE FILMS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN? Yes, microfilm rolls may be borrowed for a period of one month. The ELCA Archives does not lend the film through inter-library loan, rather directly with individuals. The cost of loan is currently $15 per roll. The fee must be paid in advance of shipment. The film will be shipped to you via UPS and you will be responsible for the cost of mailing the film back to the ELCA Archives. If a film roll is lost in the mail the borrower will be held responsible and charged for replacement of the film. We recommend that you return films either via UPS or registered U.S. mail, both of which can be traced. If a film is damaged during loan, the ELCA Archives reserves the right to charge the borrower for the cost of a replacement copy.

ARE FILMS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE? Yes, if you decide that you would like to purchase a roll of microfilm, you must do so according to the following procedure. First, the lending copy of the film may not be purchased. A new unused film copy will be ordered for you. The cost to purchase is currently $45 per roll (includes shipping cost). Second, if the congregation is still in existence, you must first secure the congregation's written permission to purchase a copy of their records on film. If you wish to purchase an entire roll, you will need a letter of permission to purchase from each congregation represented on the roll. The ELCA Archives will provide the addresses of congregations. Permission to obtain records of disbanded congregations is granted by the ELCA Archives.

PLEASE NOTE: Any film that is loaned is considered the property of either the congregation(s) whose records are included on each roll or the ELCA Archives. It is a violation of U.S. copyright law to make copies of the entire film, either on microfilm, or in paper or electronic format. Paper photocopies of sections of the film may be made from the film for personal use, but any substantial copying of the microfilm is illegal.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? The ELCA Archives staff will be happy to answer or clarify any further questions you may have. When you write or call, please provide as much information as possible, so that we may answer your questions correctly, promptly and efficiently.