The beginnings of Park Street Church date to 1804 when a "Religious Improvement Society" began holding weekly lectures and prayer meetings in Boston. Collection includes vital statistics, church records, Park Street Society and financial records, voluntary organizations, historical materials, Shawmut Church records.

Dr. Richard Boles is professor of American religious history who specializes in African American and American Indian affiliation with and participation in the North's churches from 1730 to 1850. The collection includes handwritten manuscripts, printed material from the late 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, published sermons, 19th century church histories, and other materials.