Archives & Heritage

Preserving our story

The Salvation Army Heritage Centre and Archives tells the story of the Salvation Army since the 1880s to the present. We have a particular interest in history relating to New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.

We collect, preserve, record, research and make accessible material that provides an accurate and comprehensive record of The Salvation Army’s life and work.

We can also help with research on Salvation Army work in other parts of the world.

We are based at Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters in Wellington.

Some of our holdings include

• An extensive uniform collection
• Badges
• Books issued by or about The Salvation Army 
• War Cry (Salvation Army weekly periodical) - 1883 to the present
• Stamps
• Memorabilia
• Photographs, slides, videos, films
• LP records, cassette tapes
• Oral history
• Manuscripts, unpublished materials

Research fees

Nominal fees are charged for research, regardless of outcome.  They are:

• On-site search conducted by staff - $20 per half-hour (to a maximum of $60)
• On-site search conducted by visitor - $20 per half-hour (to a maximum of $60 per day)
• Overseas requests - $40 flat fee

A limited number of photocopies and laser prints of documents are included in the above fees, but copies of photographs are extra.

Please note that all the above fees are exclusive of GST and are in NZD.

Additional Salvation Army resources

There are numerous and extensive Salvation Army research sites around the world.  The Salvation Army's International Heritage Centre is a must for any researcher interested in the work of the Army. 

go to The Salvation Army International Heritage Centre website

Limelight: the world’s first film studio

The Limelight Department was the Salvation Army’s pioneering film production and presentation unit in Australia. Between 1892 and 1909 it produced many productions, including 300 films and the major multimedia presentations Soldiers of the Cross and Heroes Of The Cross. The unit also documented Australia’s Federation ceremonies in 1901.

go to the Limelight film production unit's website