HISTORY NIGHT 2023 is in the books. History Night last Friday was a very special time for our community. Bravo and well done to Jane Cooper for putting it all together! Enjoy a taste of it in this video by our Communications/Archives Intern Peter Sznewajs.

VISIT THE ARCHIVES: Come by on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon during the 9 week CSA season!

Archivist: Jane Cooper

The office of the Archivist is created by the Bylaws of the Congregational Summer Assembly.

Archivist. The Archivist shall be appointed by the President, and shall be responsible for
the archives of the Assembly. He/she shall choose such assistants he/she deems necessary
for this work, notifying the President of his/her choices. Further, he/she shall be responsible for
displays from time to time of appropriate historical materials that are of general interest.

CSA’s Archives, housed in Pilgrim Place, are an ever-growing collection of memories and history nestled in the middle of the Assembly. The building originally served as the laundry for the Assembly Lodge and later as the Managing Director’s cottage.

It has been transformed into a warm and welcoming home for the archives, and a meeting place for Women’s Bible Study on Thursdays. It also is sometimes used for other small group or committee meetings. 

At the center of it all is Jane Cooper, our resident archivist and third-generation CSA member, whose goal is to preserve the history of the CSA and make it accessible to generations old and new. Multiple locked fireproof files protect hundreds of pictures, documents, playbills, maps, plats, legal opinions, meeting minutes, and back copies of the Assembly News. Work is under way by Jane, her assistants, and staff to digitize many of these for better preservation and recovery.

The Archives are the repository of the institutional memory of the Assembly and a great place to visit.  Come by on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon or any day by arrangement.

Did you know??

Long before Bennett Auditorium collapsed and was replaced by a new Meeting House…TWICE -and long before there was a concrete floor in the Auditorium - this is what it looked like when you sat in the congregation. The sandy dirt floor brought joy to children who occupied their time during the service gouging designs in the floor. Learn about these things and more when you come to Pilgrim Place.

The Archives are always searching for more history; contact Jane at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to send in any fond memories or pieces of our past.

ASSISTANTS TO THE ARCHIVIST:  Nancy Gosnell Gillett and Carol Nethercut Edmonds

ARCHIVIST EMERITA: Tamara Transue Royle

PRIOR ARCHIVISTS: Catherine Stebbins and Katy Gosnell