Salvation Army International Heritage Centre

The Salvation Army International Heritage Centre tells the story of The Salvation Army, a Christian church and charity, from its origins in the 1860s to the present, both in the UK and internationally.

The International Heritage Centre is the official repository of The Salvation Army’s United Kingdom and Ireland Territory and its International Headquarters, both based in London. The Centre also holds records from other international territories of The Salvation Army that do not have archive facilities, as well as personal papers of Salvation Army ministers (‘officers’), members (‘soldiers’) and other individuals with a significant connection to The Salvation Army.

The International Heritage Centre’s main archival holdings comprise:
-records of UK and Ireland Territorial Departments and Divisions
-records of International Headquarters Departments
-records of Salvation Army churches (‘corps’) in the UK and Ireland
-records of The Salvation Army’s social services in the UK and Ireland, particularly women’s social services
-service records of Salvation Army ministers (‘officers’)
-records of The Salvation Army’s international work covering Africa, the Americas and Caribbean, Asia, Australasia and the Pacific, and Europe
-records of subsidiaries including The Salvation Army Assurance Society, Reliance Bank, General Insurance Corporation, Migration and Travel Service, and Salvationist Publishing & Supplies
-records of the Christian Mission, the predecessor of The Salvation Army
-personal papers of William and Catherine Booth, the founders of The Salvation Army, and their descendants
-personal and official papers of Generals (the worldwide leader of The Salvation Army)
-personal papers of Salvation Army ministers (‘officers’), members (‘soldiers’) and other individuals with a significant connection to The Salvation Army

The International Heritage Centre holds archive material in a variety of formats, including substantial photographic collections. The Heritage Centre also has an object collection and a reference library holding books, pamphlets and periodicals by or about The Salvation Army, its members and its work worldwide.

The International Heritage Centre has an online catalogue: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/about-us/international-heritage-centre/archive-catalogue

A range of subject guides is also available: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/about-us/international-heritage-centre/international-heritage-centre-resources/subject-guides

Tuesday-Friday, 9.30-4.00

Please check our website and social media for any planned closures.

The museum, reading room, and archives at the International Heritage Centre are open to everyone free of charge.

To view items from our archive collection, please contact us in advance to make an appointment. A week's notice is usually required to make archive material available.

Archive users will be asked to complete a reader registration form on arrival.

The International Heritage Centre is located on the third floor of William Booth College. There is step-free access to the Centre.

The best way to visit us is by public transport. William Booth College is opposite Denmark Hill railway station and several bus routes stop outside the College.

Parking is available for users with disabilities but must be booked in advance so please contact us to arrange.

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