The Presbyterian Archives is enjoying purpose-built space in Dunedin after many years in a dark basement.
The Archives’ shift is part of a wider redevelopment project that will see the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership shift all its operations into Knox College’s Hewitson wing.
General Assembly 2008 agreed to contribute $756,000 to the project.
The Archives collection includes material from parishes and presbyteries, as well as personal papers from ministers and Moderators.
Archives Director Yvonne Wilkie says the staff are enjoying the new offices, which she describes as a huge improvement on their previous working conditions. Six people, two of whom are part-timers on contract, work for the Archives.
The new facility features double glazing and climate control to ensure that the condition of documents is maintained.
There is a readers’ room, which is used, on average, by three researchers a day.
The new facility has 1.5km of shelving, although when items currently in boxes are unpacked, this will be full.
The collection at the moment is 2000 linear metres, up from 380 when Yvonne began her role. About 500 boxes are still stored off site.