Saint Lawrence

According to the records of Saint Augustine of Hippo and others, Lawrence was instructed by Romans, who were under orders to execute Christians and confiscate their goods, to show them the treasuries and archives of the Pope. Lawrence, instead, showed the men the suffering people in the streets of Rome indicating that they were the true treasures of the Church. For this, he was martyred by being grilled alive. While he was dying, he is quoted as saying to his executioner "Turn me over, I'm done on this side"

He is the patron saint of archivists, and, hilariously, cooks, grills and comedians.

While untraditional, Saint Lawrence's knack for flipping the script can encourage archivists to challenge traditional ideas of what's worth saving. His story emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the transmission and preservation of works like punk rock zines and letters from immigrants sharing their experiences. These treasures are our wealth as a culture just as our expensive relics are. Like Lawrence redefining what “treasure” meant, archivists challenge traditional notions of what is worth preserving.

Saint Lawrence’s story also highlights the importance of advocacy and courage in archival work. Just as Lawrence stood firm in his belief that the Church’s true treasures lay in its people, archivists often find themselves advocating for resources, recognition, and ethical practices to protect the records in their care. In an era of rapid digitization and shifting societal values, archivists must be courageous stewards, fighting to ensure that all voices—especially those historically silenced—are preserved and heard.

Archives are often thought of as places that house rare and expensive artifacts, but, as Lawrence illustrates, their true power lies in the stories they preserve. Whether it’s a centuries-old illuminated manuscript or an important vinyl from a town hero's local TV program, every record holds the potential to connect people, foster empathy, and inspire change. Lawrence’s declaration that the poor and suffering were the Church’s greatest treasures reminds us that archives, too, should prioritize the voices and experiences of those who might otherwise be forgotten.

Saint Lawrence is inspiring to archivists for his humility and his ability to see treasure where others did not. In my own work, I am reminded that the value of an archive lies not only in its materials but also in its ability to connect people, foster understanding, and inspire change. Archivists have the unique privilege of preserving the treasures of humanity—not for personal gain, but for the benefit of all.