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The Diocesan Archives of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh ended formal operations on June 30th.  Begun in 1979 by Bishop Robert Appleyard as an extension of Trinity Cathedral’s own parish archival efforts, during its thirty years of activity he Archives has collected and catalogued numerous historical artifacts related to the life and ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, which spans an 11-county area.For the past 20 years, I have served as diocesan archivist, preserving and sharing the rich history of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, and although closure of the archives forced my retirement July 1, I will continue to volunteer my time until early Fall to consolidate the collection and finish updating its catalogue.   The recent closure came about in response to changing financial realities within the diocese, making it somewhat consistent with the operations of dioceses of similar size throughout the country, none of which staff diocesan archival departments.While saddened by the necessity of the closure, it will give me an opportunity to pursue new endeavors, including the possibility of free-lancing as an archival consultant. I have great hopes that the collection will be accessible again in the future.Lynne F. Wohleber, ArchivistEpiscopal Diocese of Pittsburgh From Archives List.See also http://www.pitanglican.org/news/local/archiveclosure072009