Religious News Service Photographs Digitization Project
About the Religious News Service Collection
The Religious News Service (RNS) Collection at the Presbyterian Historical Society reflects a diverse array of faith traditions and community experiences in the United States and around the world. Spanning nearly 50 years, the collection offers insights into the interplay between religion and politics and documents pivotal historic events, including the global efforts to rebuild after World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and demonstrations and conflicts over abortion, nuclear proliferation, presidential elections, and the conflict in Northern Ireland.
History of the Religious News Service
Baylor University Professor of History Elesha J. Coffman shares about the history of the Religion News Service and discusses its impact on the Civil Rights Movement.
Project History
Planning Grant
In 2018, PHS was awarded a $44,000 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Humanities Humanities Collections and Reference Resources Planning Grant to develop a pilot project to selectively digitize and provide access to about 500 photo files and rehouse 1,315 photo files.
On right, Executive Director Nancy Taylor discusses the pilot project.
Implementation Grant
In 2023, PHS was awarded a $330,678 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Humanities Collections and Reference Resources Implementation grant.
This grant funds the digitization of 22,500 images, newspaper clippings, and related documents from the Religious News Service Photograph Collection, and the rehousing of the entire collection of 60,000 photographs and accompanying materials.
On right, Director of Programs and Services Natalie Shilstut discusses the Religious News Service collection and the launch of the implementation project.
LOCATION AND HOURS
425 Lombard St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri: 9 am to 4 pm
CONTACT US
Phone: (215) 627-1852
Email: refdesk@history.pcusa.org