What is the International Heritage Centre? Gordon Taylor

Is it an archive? Is it a library? Is it a museum? Yes, to some extent it is all of these, but it is also far more: it is a record office, a research centre, a photographic library, an information service, a library of recorded sound, and a visitor centre. We are a multi-purpose, multi-disciplinary resource, with growing expertise across the field of archive, library, museum and records management. While we continue to learn, we offer our knowledge, and experience to The Salvation Army worldwide and the wider public whatever their interest in the mission of the Army. Our resources represent an important part of the Army's corporate memory. For example, we hold records from the former Salvation Army Assurance Society, the Campfield Press and the Army's Musical Instrument Factory, as well as many aspects of continuing Salvation Army service. The International Heritage Centre is an incomparable resource for understanding The Salvation Army as a movement: its past, present and future. While 'heritage' may conjure up for some people a vision of Salvation Army memorabilia and trivia, old bonnets, uniforms, flags and drums, these are not the primary focus of our work, though they are part of the rich tapestry of Salvation Army life. We are aware that much valuable archive material has been lost, discarded, or destroyed in the past, through war, thoughtlessness, or ignorance. We have a particular interest in trying to ensure that we secure for the future a significant documentary record of all aspects of Salvation Army work, particularly at IHQ and in the UK Territory, for which we are the official archives. We are at the centre of a international network of Salvation Army heritage centres, archives and museums, answering enquiries from researchers around the world, about any aspect of Salvation Army work, culture and traditions. Subject to strict controls on access to confidential material, we make available appropriate archive and library materials to Salvation Army officers and cadets, students, authors and publishers, TV producers, and many other enquirers. To avoid duplicating resources, we work in conjunction with other facilities at UK THQ, including the Audio-Visual Unit, the Schools and Colleges Information Unit, the Family Tracing Service, and the William Booth Memorial Training College. The task we undertake is almost unlimited in scope. Within the boundaries of our professional competence, we are stretched to our limits. having to make difficult choices between competing priorities and demands. We continually face a dilemma: if we advertise and promote our services, we raise expectations which it is beyond our capacity to fulfill. If we fail, it is not because we lack vision and initiative, but because the Army's resources are finite, and we cannot expect a disproportionate share of limited resources of staff, technical equipment, or finance. When we succeed, we have the satisfaction of knowing that we have fulfilled our responsibilities in a professional and God-glorifying manner, which brings its own rewards. For those with internet access, the International Heritage Centre may be reached at: www.salvationarmy.org/history