About the Society

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About the Society

Evangelical Lutheran Synod Historical Society, 16 Browns Ct., Mankato, MN 56001

Mission

Founded by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod in June 1996, the ELS Historical Society promotes interest in the historical and doctrinal heritage of Lutheranism, particularly of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and its institutions; stimulates historical research; publishes historical studies; assists congregations in the preservation of local congregational history; preserves items of museum quality; and, provides assistance to the ELS Department of Archives and History.

Projects and Activities

The Society sponsors a variety of projects and activities:

Annual Meetings
Oak Leaves quarterly newsletter (subscription included with membership)
Undergraduate Research Internships
Learning Activities for all ages at the Ottesen Museum
Books
- New Release: Telling the Next Generation: The Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s Vision for Christian Education
Forthcoming: Historical Encyclopedia of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (free online resource)

If you have additional ideas to suggest, we welcome your feedback.

Historical Timeline of the Synod

A printable timeline highlighting major events in Synod history is available as a free PDF download.

Board of Directors

Board Members

As of June 2011:
Mark Harstad, President
Paul Madson, Vice President
Betsy Hermanson, Secretary
Peter Anthony, Treasurer
Craig Ferkenstad
Michael Lilienthal
Ryan MacPherson
John Moldstad, Jr.
Marguerite Ylvisaker

Oak Leaves Editors

Herman Harstad
Cheryl Harstad

(More information about Oak Leaves...)

Advisors

Paul Madson, Archivist
Becky DeGarmeaux, Director of Programming, Ottesen Museum

(More information about the Ottesen Museum...)

ELS Historical Society