Heritage and Research Center
at Saint Mary's

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Preserving the Legacy of Women Religious

The Heritage and Research Center at Saint Mary's preserves and shares the stories, records, and impact of Catholic women religious, making their legacy accessible for research, learning, and connection.

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Original documents preserved

Stories of pioneering women, photographs, and artifacts spanning over 175 years of history

Aerial view of the Heritage and Research Center under construction
Four Sisters of Saint Mary's standing together outdoors
A row of clerical vestments on display
Sculpture of an infant cradled in a shell
Close-up of a handwritten historical record from the archive
Archival photo of Sisters and children together
Archival boxes stored on shelving in the collections room

About the Center

A Living Legacy, Carried Forward

Sisters tending a garden at the Heritage and Research Center
Woven textile from the HARC collectionA sister greeting a visitor outdoors

The Heritage and Research Center holds the archival collections of 10 congregations of Catholic women religious whose work helped shape education, healthcare, and social services in communities across the Midwest and beyond.

More than an archive, HARC preserves these histories while making them accessible for research, learning, and public engagement—connecting past leadership to present-day impact.

Rooted at Saint Mary's, the Center serves as both a physical and digital space where this legacy continues to inform, inspire, and guide future generations.

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Congregations

A Shared History Across Congregations

HARC brings together the archival collections of multiple congregations, each with its own distinct story, mission, and impact.

By preserving these collections in one place, the center creates a broader understanding of the collective influence of women religious—while honoring the identity and legacy of each community.

Together, these histories form a powerful record of leadership, service, and faith in action.

Sisters from several congregations gathered together
Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross
Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters
Sisters of St. Agnes
Sisters of the Divine Savior
Sisters of the Holy Cross
Servants of Mary
Sisters of the Most Precious Blood
Servants of St. Casimir
Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross

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Engage With the Legacy

HARC offers multiple ways to explore, learn, and connect with the legacy of women religious.

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Visit & Experience

Explore exhibitions and guided visits that connect you to the stories and impact of women religious.

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Vestments and artifacts on display

Learn

Research the Collections

Access archival materials and primary sources that support academic study, writing, and discovery.

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Archival sketch from the research collection

Connect

Access Digital Collections

Browse thousands of digitized documents from your home or library.

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Laptop displaying the HARC digital archive

Plan Your Visit to HARC

Experience the collections in person or explore them digitally. HARC offers multiple ways to connect with the legacy of women religious, whether you are on campus or engaging from afar.

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Painting of Our Lady of Victory with child