 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRLoving Greetings to Each One of You, As we approach the first anniversary of our Open House and the official opening of the Archive Building, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought us here. I remember all of those who came before, working in intense dust and physically demanding circumstances during the deconstruction and reconstruction of parts of the building. Many thanks to each one of you as we acknowledge your loving service in Baba. Seven years after our work began, it is possible to step into the Darshan Room, filled with sacred items touched by Meher Baba. Many who visit comment on the power and warmth of Baba’s radiant presence. It is amazing to witness! Meher Archive Collective (MAC) was designed to be more than a static repository for history. Rather, it is a living and welcoming space. It stands as a sanctuary of protection, safety, and connection for everyone who walks through its doors. We are all beads on one string. To truly honor that unity, MAC must remain dedicated to inclusivity and an unshakeable openness to new ideas and diversity in every form. Serving the community also requires us to do internal work of ensuring that our hearts are aligned with His as we build outward connections. The Board has also received valuable feedback from several dedicated Baba lovers. Their care and attention have guided us toward needed improvements in our bylaws, governance and archival policies and we are grateful for their input. More recently, we have become aware of perceptions about the work and intentions of MAC that do not reflect our dedication to the mission of sharing Baba’s legacy of love. I am aware that when our individual viewpoints shape our conclusions, we may all be asked to loosen what we once held tightly, and this work can only happen with our hand firmly in His. While criticism is difficult, I am reminded that Baba wants us to remember that opposition sometimes occurs in the furtherance of His work. If anyone would like to reach out to a Board member to discuss these matters, we welcome the opportunity to hear from you. We appreciate the opportunity to grow together. With Baba’s Love and Nazar upon each of us, Evie Lindemann Board Chair VISITING MEHER ARCHIVE COLLECTIVE |
 The Kumar family: Madhu, Sunil, Ayush, and Anika learn about MAC’s history and mission. | Last month, during the Asheville Music Sahavas, visitors from outside Western North Carolina had the opportunity to tour Meher Archive Collective to see recent developments, with some visiting for the first time. Along with a presentation of the building history and renovation progress, they were able to experience the fragrance of Baba in the Darshan Room, Meher New Life Library, and through the displays of photos, art, and artifacts. Below is an impression from Madhu Kumar after she and her family visited MAC. To read her complete account of the tour, click this link: A Visit to Meher Archive Collective |
As we left the building, I felt grateful to have witnessed this work in its formative stages. There is something deeply moving about seeing Baba lovers come together, each offering whatever they can: their time, expertise, resources, and love to create a place where His life and work can be encountered through the historical materials entrusted to the Archive." —Madhu Kumar
BUILDING UPDATE
by Hugh Huntington
Planning Our Spaces for the Future
We are looking toward the future and considering how best to care for and develop the property around our building.
Thanks to a generous donation designated specifically for long-term property planning, we engaged Osgood Landscape Architecture to help the Board explore the possibilities and practical considerations for the property. Their work is helping us better understand everything from regrading requirements and parking needs to right-of-way issues that affect neighbors’ access to their properties and the relationship between grading and our building’s foundation.
The planning process has also opened up some exciting possibilities. Ideas under consideration include gardens, a possible rose garden, walking paths, a labyrinth, and other architectural and landscape features. While many of these ideas are still in the planning stage, it is exciting to think about how the property might develop over time and how these spaces could enhance the experience of everyone who visits Meher Archive Collective.
Meanwhile, some smaller improvements are already making a difference inside the building. Art hanging rails have been installed in both the Meeting Room and the Darshan Room, providing a simple and flexible way to display artwork.
These rails have already allowed us to host a three-month exhibition of the work of Charlie Mills in the Meeting Room, as well as display the newly refurbished Rano painting in the Darshan Room. We are delighted to have these works on view for visitors to enjoy.
Another welcome addition to the Meeting Room is a movie projector and screen. In July, a full house gathered to watch the “Tree of Fire” film about the Baba tree at Meher Mount. The new equipment will give MAC more opportunities to share films, presentations, and other programs with the community in the future.
Thanks to a generous donation designated specifically for long-term property planning, we engaged Osgood Landscape Architecture to help the Board explore the possibilities and practical considerations for the property. Their work is helping us better understand everything from regrading requirements and parking needs to right-of-way issues that affect neighbors’ access to their properties and the relationship between grading and our building’s foundation.
The planning process has also opened up some exciting possibilities. Ideas under consideration include gardens, a possible rose garden, walking paths, a labyrinth, and other architectural and landscape features. While many of these ideas are still in the planning stage, it is exciting to think about how the property might develop over time and how these spaces could enhance the experience of everyone who visits Meher Archive Collective.
Meanwhile, some smaller improvements are already making a difference inside the building. Art hanging rails have been installed in both the Meeting Room and the Darshan Room, providing a simple and flexible way to display artwork.
These rails have already allowed us to host a three-month exhibition of the work of Charlie Mills in the Meeting Room, as well as display the newly refurbished Rano painting in the Darshan Room. We are delighted to have these works on view for visitors to enjoy.
Another welcome addition to the Meeting Room is a movie projector and screen. In July, a full house gathered to watch the “Tree of Fire” film about the Baba tree at Meher Mount. The new equipment will give MAC more opportunities to share films, presentations, and other programs with the community in the future.
TREASURES, TALES, & TEA … Oh my!
by Mimi Hay
Coming Soon!
On Sunday, October 11, 2026, Meher Archive Collective will open an exhibition of treasures from the Eastern and Western women mandali. On display will be a steamer trunk and brush and comb set belonging to Norina Matchabelli; a lovely, hand-tailored 1930s dress and jacket from Elizabeth Patterson; a vintage paint set from Rano Gayley; gifts from the women mandali; beautiful handcrafted Baba pins; and personal items worn by the women.
A beautiful sari from Mehera and personal items from Dr. Goher, Mani, Kitty, Arnavaz and Katie will also be on display. The exhibition is expected to run for a month or more, alongside the Charlie Mills painting exhibition, which will continue through October 2026.
Please join us on Sunday, October 11, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for the opening of the exhibition, a chance to enjoy tea and an opportunity to share stories of special moments with these unique and extraordinary souls.
We hope to see you there!
A beautiful sari from Mehera and personal items from Dr. Goher, Mani, Kitty, Arnavaz and Katie will also be on display. The exhibition is expected to run for a month or more, alongside the Charlie Mills painting exhibition, which will continue through October 2026.
Please join us on Sunday, October 11, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for the opening of the exhibition, a chance to enjoy tea and an opportunity to share stories of special moments with these unique and extraordinary souls.
We hope to see you there!
Treasures, Tales, & Tea
Sunday, October 11th, 2-4 pm
at Meher Archive Collective
53 Red Oak School Rd., Weaverville, NC
All are welcome to join us!
And please feel free to bring your own stories and refreshments to share. 🙏
ARCHIVES CORNER
by Susan McKendree
Treasures and Tales from the Archives
The archives are buzzing with lots of activities! We are making great progress on the Shaw Family Collection. Elaine Cox is working on a new sub-collection, which will include materials that don’t fit into the chronology of the document files I’m working on. It will include topics like the arts (poetry, art, music, and plays), discourses and other teachings from Meher Baba; essays, articles, talks, etc., written about Him; ephemera (such as undated cards, notes, invitations, or musings); and materials from the Shaws’ trips to India.
As part of this sub-collection, Elaine is about to complete her third document box filled with papers relating to the esteemed poet Jeanne Robert Foster, who came to Meher Baba through the Shaws. Darwin and Jeanne paid for the publication of a new volume of her poems at Sheriar Press.
As part of this sub-collection, Elaine is about to complete her third document box filled with papers relating to the esteemed poet Jeanne Robert Foster, who came to Meher Baba through the Shaws. Darwin and Jeanne paid for the publication of a new volume of her poems at Sheriar Press.
 This is the cabinet where we store our audiotapes collection. As you can see, we have a long way to go. If you are interested in joining the Transcription Team, please let us know. You even get to work from home! | Elaine has been assisted by several volunteers, including Wilson Van Winkle, Alex Morton, Diana Goodheart, and a young woman named Sophia, who is visiting from England. Hugh Huntington has been helping me with an inventory of our rare and/or signed books, which are maintained in the archives rather than the library. Cynthia Drake creates inventories for individual collections. In addition to rehousing documents in new files for the Shaw papers, I’ve been helping Mimi choose items from the Eastern and Western women to display in the upcoming exhibition, “Treasures, Tales and Tea,” opening on October 11. You won’t want to miss this event! Our volunteer Transcriptions Team has diligently transcribed more than forty MP3 files that have been created from audiotapes in our massive collection. As team leader, I approve and upload the transcriptions into our Soutron database so that you’ll be able to read and listen to them in the Portal, located by clicking this link. |
We end with a quote from a recently uploaded transcription of a talk presented by Darwin Shaw at the Sufi Center in San Francisco in 1977. Darwin is sharing his memories of being in Baba’s presence during the Three Incredible Weeks, the gathering of twenty very fortunate Western men in 1954. Here he manages to capture both the intimacy and ineffable quality of that experience:
We live at a surface level. We do not live at the depth, the freer, the greater depths, which are within us. While we were with Him, gradually, not suddenly, you know, I found that where there was fog before, a window was there with a new vista. A door was there. The mist had rolled back. The beauty of His love was dissolving a great many barriers.
“We don't understand it. We find ourselves just swimming in the beauty of His love. He gives us an experience, a little experience, just a little bit. But after a while, we realize that the best thing we can do, and ultimately the only thing we can do, is to love Him, wholeheartedly, without any reservation. Giving all. Through Him, we are enabled to step out, to crack the little eggshell of the little fraudulent self, and step into the open spaces, the freedom, the beauty, the wonder of the Reality that He is.
“It is an act of His grace. His grace is ever in action through the constant outpouring of His love . . . not a temporary experience, but something that is sustained and abiding. This is what He is here to give, to one and all: the abiding experience of the dimension of His divinity.” --Darwin Shaw
A TREASURE PRESERVED: The Rano Painting
by Ashley Lowe
On Saturday, August 1, Baba Zoom hosted our In Touch with Meher Archive Collective program, featuring the recently restored and conserved Rano painting. With hosts Evie Lindemann and Diana Goodheart, Anne Barker shared fascinating background on Rano Gayley’s life, her relationship with Meher Baba, Meher Baba’s film project, and the creation of the painting. Anne explained that more research is needed to determine the painting’s exact history and meaning, but we do know that it was created for Baba’s film project, which began in 1931.
The painting was originally given to Elizabeth Patterson, then passed to Kitty Davy and later to Barbara Schauer, who generously donated it to MAC. After being stored rolled up for many years, the painting revealed its need for conservation when, upon being unrolled, paint started flaking away from the canvas.
Elizabeth Sanchez, an Asheville conservator, was hired for the meticulous conservation. She joined our program to explain both the science behind conservation and the many steps involved in conserving the Rano painting.
The process included using conservation-specific materials that can be removed in the future if necessary, while preserving the original materials whenever possible. The paint layer was stabilized through a process called “consolidation,” using a heat table. The original support was reinforced with lining material and additional support was provided, followed by cleaning, stretching, and varnishing.
One of the most painstaking steps was compensating for areas of paint loss. This involved carefully matching colors using special conservation paints and repeatedly making tiny adjustments to blend the conserved areas with the original painting. Elizabeth estimated that she spent approximately 60 hours on the project.
The result of her careful and dedicated work is a beautifully conserved painting, now on display in the Darshan Room.
A recording of the program is available on our YouTube channel here.
The painting was originally given to Elizabeth Patterson, then passed to Kitty Davy and later to Barbara Schauer, who generously donated it to MAC. After being stored rolled up for many years, the painting revealed its need for conservation when, upon being unrolled, paint started flaking away from the canvas.
Elizabeth Sanchez, an Asheville conservator, was hired for the meticulous conservation. She joined our program to explain both the science behind conservation and the many steps involved in conserving the Rano painting.
The process included using conservation-specific materials that can be removed in the future if necessary, while preserving the original materials whenever possible. The paint layer was stabilized through a process called “consolidation,” using a heat table. The original support was reinforced with lining material and additional support was provided, followed by cleaning, stretching, and varnishing.
One of the most painstaking steps was compensating for areas of paint loss. This involved carefully matching colors using special conservation paints and repeatedly making tiny adjustments to blend the conserved areas with the original painting. Elizabeth estimated that she spent approximately 60 hours on the project.
The result of her careful and dedicated work is a beautifully conserved painting, now on display in the Darshan Room.
A recording of the program is available on our YouTube channel here.
MEHER ARCHIVE PROFILE
by Michael Ivey
Meet Jean Brunet: An Original Member of MAC
 | This edition of the Meher Archive Collective profile features Jean Brunet, one of the organization’s original members when it was formed in 2016. Jean is a native of Montreal, Canada, and moved to the United States in 1970. She was attracted to the teachings of Eastern religions from an early age. The following year, she was given the book Listen, Humanity, which changed her life. She was immediately drawn to Meher Baba and has never looked back in her recognition of Baba as God in Human Form. Jean served on the organizing committee of what was to become Meher Archive Collective for eight years before moving to volunteer status in 2024. During most of those years, Jean headed both the Social and the Communications Committees. She now serves on the Fundraising Committee, although she says her favorite activity as a volunteer is planning and organizing social events. |
Jean’s ongoing service is rooted in her recognition of the importance of preserving the legacy of Meher Baba, the Avatar of the Age, for generations to come.
VOLUNTEER UPDATE
by Ashley Lowe
Growing Together at Meher Archive Collective, One Year Later
As we celebrate our first year in our new home, we are grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and all we have accomplished together.
The library continues to grow. With hands-on support from our team, our collection of books, periodicals, pamphlets, and brochures receives the careful handling and organization needed to keep it accessible to the community.
Our Archives team is running full steam ahead to inventory, rehouse, organize, and digitize the many treasures generously donated to us.
Behind the scenes, the IT team keeps our systems running smoothly and our digital data secure, while the Fundraising team works tirelessly to sustain our mission.
Our new space has also given us special opportunities to gather as a community. Over the past year, we have enjoyed monthly Dhuni fires with Wilson Van Winkle, film screenings, a special presentation by Ward Parks, and the unveiling of our newly refreshed Darshan Room. In Touch with Meher Archive Collective, our bimonthly Baba Zoom program hosted by Evie Lindemann and Diana Goodheart, continues to draw people in from all over the world.
None of this would be possible without our devoted volunteers.
As we look toward another year, we welcome help in several areas, including:
We are grateful to everyone who helps make MAC a vibrant and welcoming home for the legacy of Meher Baba.
The library continues to grow. With hands-on support from our team, our collection of books, periodicals, pamphlets, and brochures receives the careful handling and organization needed to keep it accessible to the community.
Our Archives team is running full steam ahead to inventory, rehouse, organize, and digitize the many treasures generously donated to us.
Behind the scenes, the IT team keeps our systems running smoothly and our digital data secure, while the Fundraising team works tirelessly to sustain our mission.
Our new space has also given us special opportunities to gather as a community. Over the past year, we have enjoyed monthly Dhuni fires with Wilson Van Winkle, film screenings, a special presentation by Ward Parks, and the unveiling of our newly refreshed Darshan Room. In Touch with Meher Archive Collective, our bimonthly Baba Zoom program hosted by Evie Lindemann and Diana Goodheart, continues to draw people in from all over the world.
None of this would be possible without our devoted volunteers.
As we look toward another year, we welcome help in several areas, including:
- Information technology
- Audio transcription
- Archival processing, including inventorying, rehousing, and scanning
- Archive Center care
- Fundraising
- Marketing and communications
- Governance
We are grateful to everyone who helps make MAC a vibrant and welcoming home for the legacy of Meher Baba.
LIBRARY UPDATE
by Ann Barker
Books Along the New Life Trail
With the anniversary of Meher Baba’s New Life phase of work approaching, it is a pleasure to search for books and pamphlets that reveal insights into that fascinating period of Baba’s life.
Meher Baba in the Great Seclusion, by Ramjoo Abdulla and Dr. C. D. Deshmukh, was first printed in 1949 and reprinted in 1968. The authors suggest that the Great Seclusion, which took place in June and July of 1949, provided the link between the Old Life and New Life periods.
The pamphlet Baba’s Sermon is a summation of the “established Divine facts” given by Meher Baba in Mahabaleshwar on October 16, 1950. He had briefly stepped out of the New Life to meet with some of His Old Life lovers.
A small booklet titled Avatar Meher Baba’s New Life, printed in 2016, provides an overview of this intense phase. The material is drawn from several sources and includes a few maps of the arduous routes traveled.
Meher Baba in the Great Seclusion, by Ramjoo Abdulla and Dr. C. D. Deshmukh, was first printed in 1949 and reprinted in 1968. The authors suggest that the Great Seclusion, which took place in June and July of 1949, provided the link between the Old Life and New Life periods.
The pamphlet Baba’s Sermon is a summation of the “established Divine facts” given by Meher Baba in Mahabaleshwar on October 16, 1950. He had briefly stepped out of the New Life to meet with some of His Old Life lovers.
A small booklet titled Avatar Meher Baba’s New Life, printed in 2016, provides an overview of this intense phase. The material is drawn from several sources and includes a few maps of the arduous routes traveled.
| Baba’s devoted mandali, Bhau Kalchuri, wrote Meher Baba’s New Life, a book that is an amazing feat of research. Its 726 pages contain photographs, maps, and diary entries documenting the mandali’s experiences. Come explore the library and discover additional “gems” along the trail of Baba’s legacy. As a reminder, our open hours are: Mondays and Wednesdays, 2 – 6 p.m. Saturdays, 12 – 4 p.m. If you have questions about what’s happening in the library, email [email protected] |  |
PROGRAMS and ACTIVITIES
Treasures, Tales, & Tea
Jewels of the East and West: Baba’s Women Mandali
On Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., we invite everyone to join us for an exhibition of treasures from the women mandali, along with delightful stories and teatime.At Meher Archive Collective.
Charles Mills Exhibition
The last remaining paintings of Charlie Mills are now on exhibit at MAC through October, 2026. The newly redesigned Event Space is currently displaying nine of his paintings. They can be viewed together with the “Treasures, Tales, and Tea” exhibition announced above. At Meher Archive Collective.
Jewels of the East and West: Baba’s Women Mandali
On Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., we invite everyone to join us for an exhibition of treasures from the women mandali, along with delightful stories and teatime.At Meher Archive Collective.
Charles Mills Exhibition
The last remaining paintings of Charlie Mills are now on exhibit at MAC through October, 2026. The newly redesigned Event Space is currently displaying nine of his paintings. They can be viewed together with the “Treasures, Tales, and Tea” exhibition announced above. At Meher Archive Collective.
Ongoing Programs at Meher Archive Collective
Monthly Dhuni
On the 12th of each month, MAC offers a Dhuni on the lawn of the Archive Building. Our next Dhuni will be on Saturday, September 12th. 4:00-5:30 p.m.
To all musicians, poets, storytellers, and lovers of the Beloved, your heartfelt offerings are warmly welcome at the Dhuni. If the weather prohibits outdoor activities, we will gather in the Meeting Room to share our Baba-ful hearts through music, verse, and sacred stories.
In Touch with Meher Archive Collective
The program “In Touch with MAC – 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, October 10th, at 11:00 a.m., exploring the life and work of Helen Dahm.
YouTube
Visit Meher Archive Collective’s YouTube channel and check out our videos. New on our channel, as discussed in our article above, is the recent “In Touch with MAC” program discussing Rano Gayley’s artwork under Baba’s direction: Restoring Rano Gayley Artwork
Monthly Dhuni
On the 12th of each month, MAC offers a Dhuni on the lawn of the Archive Building. Our next Dhuni will be on Saturday, September 12th. 4:00-5:30 p.m.
To all musicians, poets, storytellers, and lovers of the Beloved, your heartfelt offerings are warmly welcome at the Dhuni. If the weather prohibits outdoor activities, we will gather in the Meeting Room to share our Baba-ful hearts through music, verse, and sacred stories.
In Touch with Meher Archive Collective
The program “In Touch with MAC – 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, October 10th, at 11:00 a.m., exploring the life and work of Helen Dahm.
YouTube
Visit Meher Archive Collective’s YouTube channel and check out our videos. New on our channel, as discussed in our article above, is the recent “In Touch with MAC” program discussing Rano Gayley’s artwork under Baba’s direction: Restoring Rano Gayley Artwork
 | BOARD OF DIRECTORS Evie Lindemann, President: [email protected] Hugh Huntington, Secretary: [email protected] Scott O’Neal, Treasurer: [email protected] Anne Barker, Director: [email protected] |