Commission on Archives
Welcome to the C. Wesley Christman Archives of the New York Annual Conference!
The Archives is located at the Conference Center in White Plains, NY, and holds treasures that reflect the earliest
history, not only of our denomination but also of our country: the saddlebags of circuit rider Freeborn Garrettson, birth records from a number of different churches within the Conference area, and in more recent history; testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee.
history, not only of our denomination but also of our country: the saddlebags of circuit rider Freeborn Garrettson, birth records from a number of different churches within the Conference area, and in more recent history; testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee.Our mission is to
- preserve the official records of the New York Annual Conference.
- assist local churches in preserving their historical records.
- carry out the provisions of the Book of Discipline related to the Commission and its purpose.
What We Do
The C. Wesley Christman Archives collects and holds institutional records, personal collections, journals and monographs relating to the history and mission of the New York Annual Conference. Institutional records include baptism, marriage and other records from closed churches within the Conference. You may visit this page for more information on how we can help your church manage its records.
The C. Wesley Christman Archives, under direction of the Commission on Archives & History of the New York Annual Conference... 
- uses professionally accepted archival standards to manage the collections placed in its care.
- houses and preserves historical records of abandoned/discontinued churches within the bounds of the New York Annual Conference and its antecedents.
- works with the General Commission on Archives and History to designate historic sites and heritage landmarks within the New York Annual Conference.
- serves as an archival role model to churches within the New York Annual Conference.
While the Archives is not currently equipped to host researchers onsite, we are glad to respond to inquiries and research requests, and we receive scheduled visitors by appointment. Staffed by a professional archivist three days per week with assistance from volunteers, the Archives usually is open each week on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Please contact us at archives@nyac.com or telephone to 914.997.1570, ext. 128, for more information.
About Our Name…
The Archives of the New York Annual Conference is named for the late Rev. C. Wesley Christman, Jr. (1909-2004), long-time Methodist pastor and church historian. Reverend Christman was president of the New York Conference Historical Society (the predecessor of today’s Commission on Archives and History) for nearly thirty years, served in many leadership roles in regional Methodist historical societies and edited the regional newsletter for nearly forty years. Reverend Christman served as Conference Secretary, Archivist and in a number of other roles in the New York Annual Conference. We are grateful for his visionary leadership, and the Archives was consecrated and named for Reverend Christman in 2002.