FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2024
UNITED METHODIST STORIES LAUNCHES AT THE POSTPONED 2020 GENERAL CONFERENCE
Real-time storytelling captures history on new GCAH app
Charlotte, N.C. – For the first time in the General Commission on Archives and History’s (GCAH) history, the United Methodist agency is making real-time storytelling possible through the launch of United Methodist Stories, an online platform designed by GCAH to collect oral histories from United Methodists. Dr. Ashley Boggan D., GCAH’s general secretary, shared details of the new initiative today during a press conference on-site at General Conference.
“Preserving testimonies and reactions from a variety of voices to major events within The UMC will serve as a vital learning tool for our denomination’s future, as well as interrupt the dominant, often colonial, understanding that history is preserved only through written form,” Boggan explained. “The historic nature of our current General Conference is an ideal setting in which to officially release United Methodist Stories and it is our hope that access to this platform will increase the preservation of all voices and all native tongues.”
United Methodist Stories, developed by Kevin Dusenberry, GCAH’s digital archivist, allows users to record, review, and submit their personal stories and experiences, contributing to the rich tapestry of the church's history. The innovative tool is accessible exclusively via mobile devices and captures audio in a secure repository, with one copy going to the contributor and one copy directly going to GCAH’s digital vault.
“The United Methodist Stories app marks a pivotal step forward in preserving our church's rich history. It allows every voice in our community to contribute personally to our collective memory, ensuring no story goes unheard or forgotten,” says Dusenberry.
“Throughout the development process, my focus was on simplicity and accessibility. I wanted to ensure that anyone could share their story without barriers, which meant refining every aspect of the user interface to make it as intuitive as possible,” he shared. “Working on this project has been a unique opportunity to blend technology with tradition. Each decision in the app's design was guided by the goal of making it easier for our community to preserve and pass on their cherished memories.”
Participants sharing their General Conference experiences through United Methodist Stories were invitation-only for this initial rollout. Going forward, United Methodist groups, including annual conferences, congregations, agencies and ethnic caucuses, may contract with GCAH for customized platforms.
“We thank all who are sharing their stories with us from General Conference. This initiative is exciting as we capture the emotions and the experiences occurring as our denomination makes historic decisions,” Boggan said. “I also want to acknowledge the role that Kevin Dusenberry has played in bringing this platform to reality. Kevin is an innovator who is eager to find new ways to get more persons involved with the Ministry of Memory, utilizing the newest in digital technology. Y'all, he's just getting started implementing his ideas, and I cannot wait to see where GCAH goes with him on our team."
To learn more about United Methodist Stories, visit ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
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Media contact:
Crystal Caviness
Communicator, General Commission on Archives and History
ccaviness@umcom.org
615-306-3401