As beloved North Park Professor Emeritus Zenos Hawkinson reminds us, a critical need of humankind is a “living memory” that is a “matter both of head and heart.” The Covenant Archives and Historical Library—which includes the archival collections related to North Park University (NPU)—serves as a living memory for the rich heritage of NPU and the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC).

This year, the Covenant Archives celebrates its 90th anniversary of preserving and making available to the public the stories of NPU and the ECC, which celebrates its 140th year.

Located in the lower level of the Brandel Library, the F.M. Johnson Archives and Special Collections is the physical home for the Covenant Archives, housing thousands of documents, photographs, journals, and publications, including archival issues of the North Parker magazine, which has also reached its 90th year.

This work is made possible by hundreds of history keepers—historians, archivists, professors, students, and secretaries—who have saved, organized, described, preserved, and provided access to records of lasting historical significance.

Of course, the mission of the archives is not boxes and books neatly arranged on the shelf; it is to serve the public by sharing these records, telling stories through exhibits and events, and hosting researchers who make these memories come alive.

As we celebrate these milestones of the Covenant Archives, ECC, and North Parker, we honor the visionary leaders who built this institution, bless the ever-growing and expanding North Park community, and look to the future with hope and confidence.