Evangelical Lutheran Synod Historical Society
Established 1996

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Anniversary Medallions

The ELS Historical Society has produced commemorative medallions for the dual anniversaries of 2017 (quincentennial of the Lutheran Reformation) and 2018 (reorganization of the ELS). The medallions are just over 2 inches in diameter with a wider ribbon at the bottom, as shown in the picture.

els logo

Cost is $10 for Historical Society members. To order, send a check to "ELS Historical Society, 6 Browns Court, Mankato, MN 56001." Please include $2 more per medallion for shipping and handling. Medallions will also be available for purchase at the ELS Synod Convention in June 2018.

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
  • Forthcoming: Historical Encyclopedia of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (free online resource)

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

Board of Directors

Board Members

As of February 2021:

  • Marie Aaberg
  • Craig Ferkenstad (synod secretary)
  • Ted Gullixson (synod archivist)
  • Lois Jaeger
  • Michael Lilienthal, President
  • Marge Lillo, Treasurer
  • Glenn Obenberger (synod president)
  • Andrew Soule, Vice President
  • Erling Teigen

 

Oak Leaves Editor

  • Erling Teigen

(More information about Oak Leaves...)

 

Advisors

  • Becky DeGarmeaux, Director of Programming, Ottesen Museum
    (More information about the Ottesen Museum...)
  • Theodore Gullixson (Archivist)
  • Ryan MacPherson (Webmaster)
  • Shawn Stafford (ELS History & Archives Committee)

Historical Timeline of the Synod

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

Oak Leaves: FREE Download

The current issue of Oak Leaves is available here for free download. The spring issue, published in May will also be available when it is published.

Oak Leaves is the publication of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod Historical Society.

Please help support the work by subscribing to Oak Leaves.

—Erling T. Teigen, editor

Copyright © 2010-2025 by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod Historical Society. All Rights Reserved.