MISSION OF CONCORDIA HISTORICAL INSTITUTE
Concordia Historical Institute, as the official department of archives and history of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, serves as general advisory agency for historical interests within synodical offices, departments, educational institutions and congregations.
CHI is charged with preserving and promoting Lutheran history, especially the history surrounding the LCMS. This is done through actively collecting, organizing, cataloging and preserving relevant documents, photographs, books, artifacts, and fine art — and making these historical items available to inform and inspire the church and community.
VISION OF CONCORDIA HISTORICAL INSTITUTE
Concordia Historical Institute strives to be the premier provider of Lutheran historical resources in North America.
MUSEUMS
Concordia Historical Institute has two museums - one at the LCMS International Center headquarters in Kirkwood, Missouri, and the other at the exhibit hall of CHI on the campus of Concordia Seminary in Clayton, Missouri, are both open.
RESEARCH
It is recommended you make an appointment to conduct historical research at the CHI building.
Concordia Historical Institute's current on-site exhibit is "A Kimono-Wrapped Gospel: The Mingei Prints of Sadao Watanabe." Learn more and plan your visit today on our exhibits page.
Please contact CHI with any questions or concerns at: 314-505-7900
Rediscover your history
Join us as we rediscover the rich history of the Lutheran Church—through our museums, libraries and the largest archival collection of Lutheran historical documents in North America. Are you thinking of researching some aspect of Lutheran history? Do you have a passion for preserving and proclaiming the legacy of Lutheran congregations, schools, and social service institutions? Concordia Historical Institute can help. Join hundreds of CHI members and volunteers as we “move Lutheran history forward—together.”
Concordia Historical Institute seeks to move Lutheran history forward with artifacts, documents and pictures from its collection. Here you can find information on our current exhibit.
View ExhibitsThe historical treasures under the care of CHI. Documents, Publications, Photographs, Artifacts and Fine Art.
View CollectionsOur memberships provide wonderful benefits and supports our goal to preserve and conserve our Lutheran heritage.
Ways to supportExhibits
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Jan Hus: Reformer, Confessor, Martyr
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2030An exhibit to honor the life of early church reformer, Jan Hus (c. 1373-1415), as told through text, images and quotes. Also included in the…
Martin Chemnitz at 500: The Second Martin’s Life, Work, and Legacy
October 6, 2022 - October 6, 2032An exhibit in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Martin Chemnitz's birth. Explore the life, work, and legacy of this crucial second-generation reformer in the…
The Leap-Day Lutheran: Patrick Hamilton, Martyr
February 29, 2024 - February 29, 2044Who was Patrick Hamilton, martyr? Explore this exclusive web exhibit from Concordia Historical Institute to learn more about the English-language heritage of our Reformation faith.…
The Latest
- 03 Feb
Spring 2024 CHI Quarterly
Read moreHas it been fifty years already? The Spring 2024 issue of Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly (Volume 97, Number 1) provides reflections on the 1974 Concordia
Comments off - 23 Jan
Concordia Historical Institute remembers Walkout 50 years later
Read moreConcordia Historical Institute remembers the Concordia Seminary St. Louis Walkout 50 years later ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI—February 19, 2024 will mark 50 years since the majority
Comments off - 23 Dec
Winter 2023 CHI Quarterly
Read moreJust in time for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays! The Winter 2023 issue of Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly (Volume 96, Number 4) looks at
Comments off - 09 Nov
Concordia Historical Institute Recognizes Historians across the Country
Read more2023 CHI Awards Banquet honors historians of North American Lutheranism PRESS RELEASE—CLAYTON, MISSOURI On November 2, 2023, Concordia Historical Institute (CHI) hosted its 50th annual
Comments off - 17 Sep
Fall 2023 CHI Quarterly
Read moreHow has the Lutheran Church in America reacted to issues which eventually became part of the Constitution of the United States? The Fall 2023 issue
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Pieces of Our Past
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Visit Our Museums
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Concordia Historical Institute
Concordia Historical Institute seeks to move Lutheran history forward with artifacts, documents and pictures from its collection. Here you can find information on our current exhibit. HOURS Open weekdays, 9:00…
CHI Museum at the International Center
Stand before a reproduction of the Castle Church doors on which Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses. View a selection of Luther’s writings. Walk among trunks and personal items like…
What our visitors saying about their experience
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Hannah Hunter
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Ruth Lawson
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Teresa Barrett