UNITED METHODIST STORIES ORAL HISTORY APP NOW AVAILABLE FOR MOBILE DEVICES
Real-time storytelling captures history on Android and IOS phones and tablets
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2025
Madison, N.J. – United Methodist Stories, an oral history app developed exclusively by the General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH), is now available for widespread use on all mobile devices. The unique real-time storytelling platform, initially announced and launched on a limited basis during the Postponed 2020 General Conference held in 2024, allows users to contribute to The UMC’s collective Ministry of Memory by sharing their personal stories and experiences.
“Preserving testimonies and reactions from a variety of voices 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,” Dr. Ashley Boggan, GCAH general secretary, explained at the General Conference press conference announcing the app’s launch.
Recordings captured during the 10-day legislative gathering were among the first to be added to GCAH’s digital vault as some attendees used the United Methodist Stories app to chronicle their impressions and memories from General Conference.
“The United Methodist Stories app marks a pivotal step forward in preserving our church's rich history,” says Kevin Dusenberry, GCAH digital archivist who developed the app. “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 to make it as intuitive as possible. It allows every voice in our community to contribute personally to our collective memory, ensuring no story goes unheard or forgotten.”
United Methodist Stories features a user-friendly interface to capture audio in a secure repository, with one copy going to the contributor and one copy going directly to GCAH’s digital vault. Users also have the ability to review the recordings before submitting. The app is available to be used only on mobile devices. To access the innovative tool, visit UMstories.gcah.org on a mobile phone or tablet or visit gcah.org/united-methodist-stories on a computer to scan the QR codes with a mobile device.
“Creating this application was a unique challenge but so rewarding as we are now able to collect memories and stories directly from the individuals who are the heart of the denomination,” Dusenberry says. “Our hope is that United Methodist Stories will allow us to connect in different ways and gain a greater understanding of our roots as United Methodists.”
“We are grateful to Kevin for bringing this new platform to reality. He is an innovator who is discovering ways to use technology to gather and preserve the history of The UMC,” Boggan says. “With United Methodist Stories widely available, we can now more easily capture the stories of United Methodists throughout the world so that our legacy includes the full expanse of our connection.”
To learn more about United Methodist Stories and/or access the platform, visit gcah.org or ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Media contact:
Crystal Caviness
[email protected]
615-306-3401