WELS History

This is the official channel of the WELS Historical Institute.

WELS Historical Institute is dedicated to preserving the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod's long, rich history making it accessible to all. For many years we have recorded memories, traditions and facts, gathering and preserving document, artifacts, photographs, media and stories of long ago.  We were founded to protect WELS deep rich history firmly rooted in the Word. WELS HI has a close partnership with the WELS archives.

The Institute publishes two issues of the WELS Historical Institute Journal and two Historical Institute newsletters each year. The Journal is designed to appeal to pastor, teacher, and layperson alike. It includes heavily researched articles interspersed with personal reminiscences and translations of old letters and documents.