 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRLoving Greetings to Each One of You, As the seasons turn and we look ahead, my heart is filled with gratitude for the incredible privilege we share: the preservation and continuation of the vital spiritual legacy of our Beloved Meher Baba. It is a task we approach with deep reverence, recognizing the infinite grace that brought His physical presence, and the enduring truth of His words, into our lives. Meher Archive is unfolding into the next important step of this journey. Our recent move to our new facility marks more than just a change of address; it signifies a fresh commitment and renewed energy toward our core purpose. This purpose is centered on the importance of collecting, preserving, and sharing stories and physical artifacts—the tangible and intangible treasures that serve as direct links to Baba and those who love Him. Each letter, photograph, and recounted experience is a thread in the divine tapestry, and its care is a sacred duty. It is only through working in community that we can truly succeed. This endeavor is too large, too important, for any single individual or group. It requires the collective effort, support, and dedication of all those whose lives have been touched by the Ancient One. I see the spirit of cooperation, the pooling of resources, and the sharing of love that makes this whole effort possible. Together, we are weaving a fabric of remembrance, each contribution strengthening the whole. I am delighted to share that the Archive now possesses expertise in house. We have dedicated, trained staff and volunteers whose knowledge of preservation, cataloging, and digital access is transforming how we operate. We also continue to learn from other Meher Baba archives around the world and welcome their input. This professionalism ensures that we are delivering on our three-fold mission of collecting, preserving, and sharing Baba’s magnificent story with the utmost care and accessibility. Our work is a promise—a promise to the past, the present, and the future. Baba's invisible yet tangible hands help us gather the threads of the Avataric descent, ensuring that the unique, human‑divine relationship that defined Meher Baba’s work is available for generations to come. In this way, the Archive itself becomes a living tapestry of love, unfolding with each memory and each act of service. In His loving embrace, Evie Lindemann Board Chair BUILDING RENOVATION PROGRESS |
| For samples of Baba's hair, an incredibly precious object that requires special consideration, a clear polyester storage box will allow viewing while also keeping the hair safe from exposure. Any clear storage materials do not protect from sunlight, so my recommendation would be to wrap the polyester box in acid-free archival tissue and then store it inside another archival storage box. I am happy to advise you on storage of your Baba treasures! If you have any questions about how to store an item in your collection, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] and I can help with your own archiving. |  |
MEHER ARCHIVE PROFILE
by Michael Ivy
Welcoming Mary Hlywa Maytan to the Transcription Team
 | Bringing an international flair to the Meher Archive volunteer staff, Canadian Mary Hlywa Maytan joins the group on the transcription team. I had a delightful conversation with Mary in which she related her experiences coming to Baba in the 1970s and her devotion to Him over the last 50 years. During a recent trip to the Meher Center, Mary said that she had spent time with Maria Brummel and learned about the opportunity to join the Meher Archive volunteer staff. Being retired from a career in higher education, she thought that aiding the mission of Meher Archive would be right up her proverbial alley — she said that she considers it a rare privilege and honor to serve the memory and legacy of the Avatar in this way. |
Mary has started transcribing interviews with Adi K. Irani, Padri, and Behram, first by listening to the audio tapes, but recently incorporating AI transcriptions, which she then edits for accuracy. She said that this procedure speeds up the transcriber’s task tremendously.
Mary is a grandmother and has been married to her husband Ron (also a Baba-lover) for their entire lives, having first met as teenagers of 16 and 17! They are lifelong residents of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
She loves the aspect of transcribing these talks or interviews that allows her to be immersed in remembrance of Baba while contributing to the preservation of His Advent for the generations to come.
Mary is a grandmother and has been married to her husband Ron (also a Baba-lover) for their entire lives, having first met as teenagers of 16 and 17! They are lifelong residents of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
She loves the aspect of transcribing these talks or interviews that allows her to be immersed in remembrance of Baba while contributing to the preservation of His Advent for the generations to come.
VOLUNTEER UPDATE
by Cheryl Johnson
Offering Your Gifts in His Work
The way of My Work is the way of effacement, which is the way of strength, not of weakness and through it you become mature in My love. At this stage you cannot know what real love is, but through working for Me as you should work for Me, you will arrive at that ripeness where, in a moment, I can give you That for which you have been millions of years seeking. — MEHER BABA
Meher Archive welcomes anyone who feels a call to service. Our archival and building projects provide many opportunities to find a special niche for your talents, passions, and experience.
We held our first volunteer coordination meeting this November after a long hiatus. Volunteers introduced themselves, shared their roles—from IT and transcription to hands-on, physical work—and discussed the importance of tracking volunteer hours to support grant applications and reporting. We look forward to our next meeting in February.
Our volunteer needs include, but are not limited to:
We held our first volunteer coordination meeting this November after a long hiatus. Volunteers introduced themselves, shared their roles—from IT and transcription to hands-on, physical work—and discussed the importance of tracking volunteer hours to support grant applications and reporting. We look forward to our next meeting in February.
Our volunteer needs include, but are not limited to:
- Archive Support: processing, scanning, transcription
- Leadership: Board of Directors
- Building & Grounds: cleaning, construction, painting
- Communications: newsletter, social media, website, YouTube/Vlog, worldwide Baba family zooms
- Fundraising: events and committee work
- IT/IS: Google Suite admin, tech support, network monitoring and management
- Library Services
- Programs & Events
- Volunteer Coordination
 |
LIBRARY UPDATE
by Anne Barker
 Guests at the Housewarming Party look over the variety of materials available for research or lending. |  The children's corner |
Building Our Library, One Shelf at a TimeWork is progressing as we continue to settle into our new space at the Red Oak School. Additional shelving for both the library and the library processing room was kindly donated by Patti Glazer as she retires from her architecture business.
Cataloging also continues, with titles being entered into the database in preparation for making the library’s catalog available online. There are currently more than 4,500 items, with many more still to be added!
With so many books and rare materials, visitors are often surprised to discover items they have never seen or even heard of before.
This is the perfect season to curl up with a good Baba book. Come explore some Baba treasures in the library.
Our open hours are:
Mondays and Wednesdays, 2 – 6 p.m.
Saturdays, 12 – 4 p.m.
Our volunteers, Dennis O’Keefe, Diana Goodheart, and Vandana Easterbrook, are deeply appreciated for their help with everything from sorting periodicals to barcoding books.
If you have questions about what’s happening in the library, call me at (936) 234-1779 or email [email protected]
Cataloging also continues, with titles being entered into the database in preparation for making the library’s catalog available online. There are currently more than 4,500 items, with many more still to be added!
With so many books and rare materials, visitors are often surprised to discover items they have never seen or even heard of before.
This is the perfect season to curl up with a good Baba book. Come explore some Baba treasures in the library.
Our open hours are:
Mondays and Wednesdays, 2 – 6 p.m.
Saturdays, 12 – 4 p.m.
Our volunteers, Dennis O’Keefe, Diana Goodheart, and Vandana Easterbrook, are deeply appreciated for their help with everything from sorting periodicals to barcoding books.
If you have questions about what’s happening in the library, call me at (936) 234-1779 or email [email protected]
TECH UPDATE
by John Dalisky
Advancing Meher Archive’s Technology
Following our successful move into the new building, the Meher Archive team has been hard at work behind the scenes, upgrading information technology tools and services to strengthen our ability to fulfill the Meher Archive mission of preserving and sharing the legacy of Avatar Meher Baba.
Laying a Foundation for the Future
Wired and wireless networks now provide smooth communication between departments and secure access to the Internet and cloud tools. New PC and Apple workstations across the Conservation, Archive, Library, and Administration areas give the team modern, powerful tools.
Advanced Archival Tools
Digitization is a major focus. Additional state-of-the-art scanners have been installed, designed to capture a wide variety of materials, including books, articles, letters, and other precious correspondence in high-quality digital formats.
For managing our extensive physical library with greater precision, we are implementing a new barcode reader solution. This system will streamline the tracking of library book inventory locations, manage lend-outs, and process returns more efficiently.
Secure Storage
Data preservation and security are paramount at Meher Archive. We have significantly upgraded our storage solution to include two Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices with over thirty terabytes of storage capacity. Automated nightly backups, both on-site and in the cloud, ensure the safety of our digital assets.
Preparing for Global Access
The most exciting development is a major project to share the Meher Archive’s treasures and artifacts with the whole world. We are actively working on an online, cloud-based partner solution that will allow anyone to view these invaluable items and conduct personal or scholarly research remotely.
We are excited to share more details about this in the next newsletter.
Formalizing Operations
Finally, internal IT policies and procedures are being formalized to ensure Meher Archive resources remain available and accessible to both our team and the global community.
Following our successful move into the new building, the Meher Archive team has been hard at work behind the scenes, upgrading information technology tools and services to strengthen our ability to fulfill the Meher Archive mission of preserving and sharing the legacy of Avatar Meher Baba.
Laying a Foundation for the Future
Wired and wireless networks now provide smooth communication between departments and secure access to the Internet and cloud tools. New PC and Apple workstations across the Conservation, Archive, Library, and Administration areas give the team modern, powerful tools.
Advanced Archival Tools
Digitization is a major focus. Additional state-of-the-art scanners have been installed, designed to capture a wide variety of materials, including books, articles, letters, and other precious correspondence in high-quality digital formats.
For managing our extensive physical library with greater precision, we are implementing a new barcode reader solution. This system will streamline the tracking of library book inventory locations, manage lend-outs, and process returns more efficiently.
Secure Storage
Data preservation and security are paramount at Meher Archive. We have significantly upgraded our storage solution to include two Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices with over thirty terabytes of storage capacity. Automated nightly backups, both on-site and in the cloud, ensure the safety of our digital assets.
Preparing for Global Access
The most exciting development is a major project to share the Meher Archive’s treasures and artifacts with the whole world. We are actively working on an online, cloud-based partner solution that will allow anyone to view these invaluable items and conduct personal or scholarly research remotely.
We are excited to share more details about this in the next newsletter.
Formalizing Operations
Finally, internal IT policies and procedures are being formalized to ensure Meher Archive resources remain available and accessible to both our team and the global community.
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
by Gay Dunn
Meher Archive’s Housewarming
A Warm Welcome
On October 12th, Meher Archive joyfully opened its doors to the community, welcoming friends and Baba-lovers to celebrate Meher Baba’s archive home in Weaverville, North Carolina. Evie Lindemann opened the gathering with a warm welcome to all and, with deep gratitude, recognized the many volunteers who have given their hearts, hands, and spirit for 7 years to this project.
The festivities unfolded both inside and outside the lovingly renewed 100-year-old school building, now a vibrant sanctuary dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sharing the legacy of Avatar Meher Baba and those who loved Him.
Archive, Library, and Building Tours
More than 100 guests were invited to join Archives Manager Polly Rolman-Smith for guided tours through the archive spaces, learning the steps of archiving and marveling at treasures from the collection. Elaine Cox and Susan McKendree shared stories of the artifacts and the ongoing work of conservation, while Peter Nordeen offered an in-depth look at the building’s renovations and the exciting phases yet to come. Anne Barker inaugurated the Meher New Life Library, offering thousands of books for study and lending. A gift to all visitors (see the library article above).
Refreshments, Games, and Music
Outside, in the warm autumn sun, guests enjoyed refreshments, live music, and lively conversation. Mimi Hay and team led children and adults alike with games, crafts, face-painting, and a treasure hunt. Musicians Randy Hale, Sharla Ember, Jane Weaver, and Gay Dunn performed throughout the afternoon, with Phil Ludwig engineering the sound.
Joy and Gratitude
Many thanks to the organizers and volunteer teams whose dedication made this celebration possible, and to the many attendees who filled the Archive’s new home with their Baba-love. Baba gave us a housewarming that was not only a launch, but a living expression of joy, community, and gratitude.
On October 12th, Meher Archive joyfully opened its doors to the community, welcoming friends and Baba-lovers to celebrate Meher Baba’s archive home in Weaverville, North Carolina. Evie Lindemann opened the gathering with a warm welcome to all and, with deep gratitude, recognized the many volunteers who have given their hearts, hands, and spirit for 7 years to this project.
The festivities unfolded both inside and outside the lovingly renewed 100-year-old school building, now a vibrant sanctuary dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sharing the legacy of Avatar Meher Baba and those who loved Him.
Archive, Library, and Building Tours
More than 100 guests were invited to join Archives Manager Polly Rolman-Smith for guided tours through the archive spaces, learning the steps of archiving and marveling at treasures from the collection. Elaine Cox and Susan McKendree shared stories of the artifacts and the ongoing work of conservation, while Peter Nordeen offered an in-depth look at the building’s renovations and the exciting phases yet to come. Anne Barker inaugurated the Meher New Life Library, offering thousands of books for study and lending. A gift to all visitors (see the library article above).
Refreshments, Games, and Music
Outside, in the warm autumn sun, guests enjoyed refreshments, live music, and lively conversation. Mimi Hay and team led children and adults alike with games, crafts, face-painting, and a treasure hunt. Musicians Randy Hale, Sharla Ember, Jane Weaver, and Gay Dunn performed throughout the afternoon, with Phil Ludwig engineering the sound.
Joy and Gratitude
Many thanks to the organizers and volunteer teams whose dedication made this celebration possible, and to the many attendees who filled the Archive’s new home with their Baba-love. Baba gave us a housewarming that was not only a launch, but a living expression of joy, community, and gratitude.
| Also launched: The Meeting Room Meher Archive’s meeting room has been inaugurated as a space for small events. The first was a three-day seminar, "The Art of Praise": Poetry of Francis Brabazon by Ward Parks. The following week a concert of rich new and old songs of praise was presented by Ward Parks and friends. |  |
Dhuni
On the 12th of each month, Meher Archive offers a Dhuni on the lawn of the Meher Archive building, weather permitting. This month’s event has been cancelled, so our next Dhuni will be on Monday, January 12, at 4 p.m. on the lawn of the Meher Archive building. To all musicians, poets, storytellers, and lovers of the Beloved, your heartfelt offerings are warmly welcome at the Dhuni. Whether through music, verse, or sacred story, your expression is a gift to the gathering.
In Touch with Meher Archive
The program “In Touch with Meher Archive Collective – Cherishing Meher Baba’s Legacy” is a bi-monthly series featuring a variety of topics related to preserving Baba’s legacy. All are welcome to join us on BabaZoom.net for our next live program on Saturday, February 7th, at 11:00 a.m. Details to come.
YouTube
Visit Meher Archive Collective’s YouTube channel and check out our videos:
Coming soon on our channel:
On the 12th of each month, Meher Archive offers a Dhuni on the lawn of the Meher Archive building, weather permitting. This month’s event has been cancelled, so our next Dhuni will be on Monday, January 12, at 4 p.m. on the lawn of the Meher Archive building. To all musicians, poets, storytellers, and lovers of the Beloved, your heartfelt offerings are warmly welcome at the Dhuni. Whether through music, verse, or sacred story, your expression is a gift to the gathering.
In Touch with Meher Archive
The program “In Touch with Meher Archive Collective – Cherishing Meher Baba’s Legacy” is a bi-monthly series featuring a variety of topics related to preserving Baba’s legacy. All are welcome to join us on BabaZoom.net for our next live program on Saturday, February 7th, at 11:00 a.m. Details to come.
YouTube
Visit Meher Archive Collective’s YouTube channel and check out our videos:
Coming soon on our channel:
- Q&A with Peter Nordeen and Ward Parks from August 9th (part 4)
- “In Touch with Meher Archive” program from December 6th, with Archives Manager, Polly Rolman-Smith in conversation with Evie Lindemann.
