|
L. Dale Patterson
Greetings
Fall is my favorite time of year. For me it is a time for new beginnings. Perhaps this attitude is a remnant of childhood school days. School always started in the Fall, and with it came new studies, new friends, new activities. Beginnings are always filled with wonder, excitement and perhaps a little uncertainty. That is why they are considered new. To go into uncharted territory, whether of school as a child, or in our work can be challenging. But new beginnings not only bring change, but they bring growth, development and a deepening appreciation of who we are and of our work. Of course, we can begin anew at any season, at any time. But this Fall, I would encourage you to consider some new beginnings in your archival program. This year, consider adding some new dimension to your work. Perhaps consider adding some new skill to your work. Explore some new dimension of archival management that you have been delaying. Begin something new.
If nothing else, I would suggest reaching out into your community in a new way. The archives of our denominations, religious societies, or scholarly religious collections are rich and diverse. Some people in the community may not realize that our collections, while documenting religion in American life, also document a variety of historical concerns which happen to have been recorded from a religious perspective. In short our archives can be a rich resource on some of the social aspects of American life. Researchers and students can find this a valuable resource. All the states require the teaching of American and local history. Could material from your collection be used by those teachers? In New Jersey this Fall a series of workshops, sponsored in part by the New Jersey Caucus of MARAC, will be held for elementary and secondary school teachers to introduce them to the archival and cultural heritage material in their area. In the workshops they will be introduced to political, economic, ethnic and social archival material. Included in many of these categories will be material from several archives of religious collections. One of the workshops will be held here at the United Methodist Church Archives.
Faith-based communities function with a vocabulary, an ethic, and a polity that defies easy appraisal and even those who serve as curators of permanent collections are challenged to deliver an interpretive rendition of the fit between the spiritual community and a highly secular society.
For us, this level of involvement is something new and exciting. But new beginnings don't have to be so dramatic. You may wish to focus on attending some workshop to learn a new skill or to improve an old one. You may wish to review and revise a collection policy or develop improved relationships with your primary constituency. Whatever it may be, consider beginning something new this year. And let us hear what you did at our annual meeting in Birmingham.
Speaking of our annual meeting, I want to say that our session in Washington, DC was well attended. One of the best in years, I think. It is a new beginning for me, your section Chair, and for Diane Wells, your vice chair. We are both looking forward to working with the section over the next year. You can read more about our meeting, and our new officers, in the minutes included in this issue. Also, please consider sending in some news or articles for this news letter. We can use all the help and assistance we can. And that too could be something new. Best wishes.
A Letter from Sister Emma Cecilia Busam, O.S.U. to ARCS members
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
In September 2001 I will be resigning the Ursuline Archives at Mount Saint Joseph after eighteen plus years. The holdings are in good condition and well housed - but I am not totally leaving the profession. I will continue with the Archives of the Diocese of Owensboro on a part time basis. We have accomplished a lot in the past ten years but it isn't at the level I hope to leave it. I am deeply grateful to so many people. It would be almost impossible to name the places, much less the names of those with whom I have worked and become acquainted through this noble and necessary profession. To the Kentucky Council on Archives, and especially Mr. Belding and others for making it possible through grants and personal assistance the progress we made in the Archives. Also for the opportunity to serve on the Board. To the Society of American Archivists for the assistance in furthering my knowledge of archives. Also for the opportunity to serve in leadership for the Archivists of Religious Collections Section and for bestowing upon me the Sister Claude Lane Award. To the Archivists for Congregations of Women Religious for the responses we received during the organizing of this group and for the opportunity of serving in several positions, including President. To the Association of Catholic Diocesan Archivists for the friendships of so many Archivists. I am looking forward to even more involvement in the future. To the Academy of Certified Archivists for membership therein. It has been a joy to work with such wonderful people and to act as a consultant and/or mentor for many over the years. The workshops and meetings I have been part of hold many rewarding memories. The members of the archival profession hold a special place in my heart. If I can be of help in anyway, I'll be glad to. I am looking forward to having more time for myself and things that come up unexpectedly. New address: Catholic Pastoral Center, 600 Locust St., Owensboro, KY 42301, emma@cpc.brescia. edu
New Director of Joint Archives of Holland, Michigan
Geoffrey Reynolds has been appointed director of the Joint Archives of Holland, located at Hope College. Reynolds received his B.A. at Central Michigan University in 1989, and his M.L.I.S. at Wayne State University in 1995. He has served at Hope as collections archivist with the rank of assistant professor since January 1997. He assumed his new duties in July. "Professor Reynolds has served with distinction these past four years as collections archivist and this past semester as acting director," said Dr. Jacob E. Nyenhuis, provost and professor of classics at Hope. "We therefore have full confidence in his ability to provide effective leadership to this important program, which serves the college, the city, the Holland Historical Trust and Western Theological Seminary." The Joint Archives of Holland of Holland, which opened in 1988, brings together the archival collections of Hope College with those of the Holland Museum, Western Theological Seminary and other organizations that contract for archival services. The archives is located on the groundlevel of the college's Van Wylen Library.
In addition to his work at the college, he is currently serving as vice president, and president-elect, of the Michigan Archival Association (MAA). He is also on the Executive Board of the Dutch-American Historical Society; co-editor of the GRIST records management/archives newsletter; secretary of the Holland Area Historical Society; and on the Publication Advisory Committee of the Holland Historical Trust. He is a member of several professional and historical associations, and serves as an archival consultant to the Charlevoix Historical Society. He has written articles on topics related to archival work as well as a variety of aspects of state and local history. His research interests include the maritime history of the Great Lakes, and he is currently investigating the military and post-war production of the Foster Boat Company of Charlevoix and the history of the boat-building industry in Holland.
Kinga Perzynska, Catholic Archives of Texas Director, is the recipient of the Society of American Archivists and Society of Southwest Archivists' 2001 Sister M. Claude Lane Award. Kinga received the award in recognition of distinguished service in the advancement of religious archives. Established in 1974, the award is sponsored and funded by the Society of Southwest Archivists. Sr. Marie Claude Lane, O.P. was the archivist of the Catholic Archives of Texas from 1960-1974. She was a SSA Executive Board member from the Society's creation in 1972 to her death in 1974. Kinga Perzynka has been actively involved in regional, national, and international professional and religious archival organizations for over 20 years. She has served on the Executive Board of the Society of Southwest Archivists as well as other positions within her regional organization. For the Society of American Archivists (SAA), she has served on the Religious Archives Section as a Steering Committee member and as chair of the Nominating Committee. In 1998, Kinga received the Certificate of Recognition of Dedication to the Archival Profession from SAA. Also in 1998, as co-chair of the Association of Catholic Diocesan Archivists' Thesaurus Committee, Kinga helped to successfully prepare a grant to create and publish a book of controlled diocesan terms. The Thesaurus of Catholic Diocesan Terms was completed and made publicly available in 2000.
At the international level, Kinga Perzynska contributes to the International Council of Archives, Section of Archives of Churches and Religious Denominations, currently serving as Secretary. She has worked on the section's Steering Committee and the Program Committee, through which she helped organize the Church Archives Conference at the ICA meeting in Seville, Spain in 2000. In 1997, Pope John Paul II appointed her a Consultor of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church. Kinga Perzynska teaches in the History Department of Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas and serves as a consultant for the staff of Texas Catholic dioceses and institutions, developing guidelines for records management and archives.
Now Open: The Knights of Columbus Museum
by Susan Brosnan, Archivist
After six years of planning and construction, and emphasizing the need to preserve a commendable and noteworthy history of volunteerism and community service, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson cut the ribbon that unveiled the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven, CT, March 16, 2001. Anderson invited "the residents of Connecticut, all Americans, and all international visitors, to learn about the remarkable history, purpose and dedication of the 1.6-million member international Knights of Columbus. It is the largest Catholic fraternal and family order in the world." Anderson added that the museum's appeal would bring in many visitors of all creeds, not just Catholics. "The history of the Knights of Columbus is also the history of world, through war and peace, through persecution and prosperity. The Order is also uniquely American in its origin. It was founded here in New Haven 119 years ago. Yet, throughout its long history, and its international expansion, the Knights have remained faithful to their founding, bedrock principles: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. These are admirable principles which all good people embrace. We welcome everyone to walk through our history."
The new museum mixes history and art, temporary and permanent exhibitions, and programs. The museum is located at 1 State Street and was the former Community Services Building. The Connecticut-based award-winning architectural firm of Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo & Associates completely redesigned the interior of the77,000-square-foot structure. Spagnola and Associates of New York City put their award-winning creative talents to work. Appealing and dramatic galleries were the results of their efforts. Exhibit fabrication was by Maltbie Associates of Mount Laurel, NJ. Since its inception, the Order has always been very low key, accomplishing its mission and doing substantial charitable works without fanfare. The museum idea was born just over 20 years ago, as the Knights prepared to commemorate the 100th anniversary of their founding by Father Michael J. McGivney. He held the first meetings in the basement of St. Mary's Church on Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven. In 1980, the headquarters began collecting significant items from its past and documenting its relevant history. Now retired, Virgil C. Dechant was the supreme knight at the time. Realizing the treasure chest of history and art that was available, he decided to install a small museum within the headquarters building. "With 11,500 local Knights of Columbus branches around the globe, the collection of significant artifacts and mementos soon grew beyond the capacity of the existing museum, as did the volume of visitor requests. The need for a new, much larger museum soon became obvious," remarked Dechant.
As visitors begin their tour, they are shown an introductory film in the Theatre, a six-minute preview and explanation of the exhibitions they are about to see. Inside the Father Michael J. McGivney Gallery and Reliquary, is the story of the soft-spoken, gentle young priest who helped to make history. Although he died at the early age of 38, his legacy lives on in the Order that he founded. Father McGivney is under consideration for sainthood by the Vatican. The epic story of navigator and explorer Christopher Columbus is presented next in the Columbus Gallery. A majestic 17th century statue of Saint Peter, the first pope, welcomes visitors to the Papal Gallery and to the magnificence and solemnity of Vatican City. The largest gallery is the wall of History. Visitors begin the journey with the birth of the Order and follow its growth through secular and religious conflicts, through wars and international upheavals, through the Depression, fascism and communism, to the dawn of the new millennium. As the "Defenders of the Faith," the Knights remain faithful to their founding principles, and to their commitment to the preservation of the family. As visitors enter the Library Gallery they are able to read excerpts from some of the rare books and documents from the Archives. For example, the Mexican Revolution of 1914-17 is brought to focus through papers that document the martyrdom of six Mexican priests by their new revolutionary government. All six were Knights of Columbus members and made saints in May 2000. The museum is located in downtown New Haven. For its Winter schedule, the first Tuesday after Labor Day through May 1, the museum will be open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. For general information, please call: (203) 865-0400.
Diocese of Amarillo Marks 75th Anniversary
The year 2001 marks the 75th anniversary of the creation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Amarillo. Following 14 months of preparation guided by Sister Hildegard Varga, OSB, Vice_Chancellor/Archivist, the 200page commemorative history, "The Journey of the Diocese of Amarillo: 75 Years on the Llano Estacado, 1926-2001", made its debut on Sunday, May 27, 2001, at a celebration marking the opening of the 75th Anniversary of the Diocese of Amarillo.
Local Catholic historian Mike Harter, building on his previous work, "The Creation and Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Amarillo, 1917-1934" (MA Thesis, West Texas State University, 1975), wrote the main body of the text. Sister Hildegard compiled a "Chronology" beginning in 1971which includes parishes, missions, and (Mass) stations in the territory encompassed by the Diocese of Amarillo. The book also contains two maps by Mike Harter and 65 pictures selected mainly from Diocese of Amarillo Archives Photograph Collection.
On 1926, the Vatican created the Diocese of Amarillo out of a huge area that covered the entire Panhandle, the South Plains, and the Permian basin, as well as a portion of the Edwards Plateau, stretching to within60 miles of the Mexican border. Since that time, the Diocese of Amarillo has twice diminished in geographic size, first as the new Diocese of San Angelo (1961) and later, as the new Diocese of Lubbock (1983) came into being in response to the growth in Catholic population. The Diocese of Amarillo presently covers the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle.
The diocesan celebration was opened with a Mass in the amphitheater at Palo Duro Canyon on Sunday, May 27, 2001 to commemorate the expedition of exploration of the Llano Estacado in the spring of 1541 led by Captain General Francisco Vasquez de Coronado accompanied by three Franciscan Friars who served as chaplain, confessors and spiritual advisors. The chronicler did not record specifically that Mass was celebrated, but since that Thursday was a special holyday, most probably one of the Franciscan priests did say Mass.
Dr. Felix Almaraz, Ph.D., former president of both the Texas Catholic Historical Society and the Texas State Historical Association, retraced the Panhandle's Catholic roots for the crowd present: "Today we remember their [members of the Coronado Expedition] courage and resolve to trek through uncharted land, guided only by a compass, the morning and evening sun, and the stars at night.... The Franciscan missionaries, religious men of strong faith and gentle conduct, rendered valuable assistance in times of doubt, depression, reversal, and renewal.... We commemorate their courage, commitment, and zeal as sixteenth century missionaries who attempted to do their duty as God gave them light to see. May their example serve as a source of inspiration for this generation of Christians who are assembled here at Palo Duro Canyon."
To commemorate the anniversary of the actual day in 1926, a festive Mass was celebrated at the Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium on August 25, 2001. The Most Reverend Patrick F. Flores, Archbishop of San Antonio was principal celebrant with Most Reverend Charles V. Grahmann, Bishop of Dallas as homilist.
When the Diocese of Amarillo was formed, it covered 73,000 square miles or one-third of the state of Texas. At present, there are 35 parishes and 13 missions in the Diocese of Amarillo. These parishes and missions were highlighted during the entrance procession of the Mass, with a representative of each carrying a banner especially made for the occasion by the Capuchin Nuns of the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Amarillo. A reception complete with strolling mariachis followed the Mass.
For further information, contact Sister Hildegard Varga, OSB, Vice-Chancellor/Archivist, Diocese of Amarillo, P.O. Box 5644, Amarillo, TX 79117-5644, (806) 383-2243, Ext.120; E-mail: hvarga@nucentrix.net.
Marquette Research Aids Still Available
These "navigational aids" for archival research are still available from Marquette University Libraries, Department of Special Collections and University Archives. To order, please write to Marquette University Archives, P.O. Box 3141, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3141 and enclose checks payable to Marquette University (Federal EIN#39-080-6251) in United States currency through a U. S. bank. Prices are for single copies.
* Guide to Catholic Indian Mission and School Records in Midwest Repositories, by Philip C. Bantin with Mark G. Thiel, 1984, 446 pages. Contains descriptions of unpublished records about American Indians with related institutional chronologies for 277 repositories in 12Midwestern states (the region served by the Midwest Archives Conference minus Ohio plus Oklahoma). Also included are additional corrections and known updates from 1984 to the present. $15.00 postpaid plus $0.83. Wisconsin sales tax or provide tax-exempt number. Milwaukee County residents please add an additional $0.83.
* Index to the Catholic Directories for the United States with Appended Countries, 1817, 1822,1833-1994 by Mark G. Thiel, 1995, 54 pages. As sources of detailed church data provided annually, national Catholic directories are useful tools for researching Catholic-related history and genealogy. This index analyzes the past directories for the United States with appended data for 60 other countries and territories. Included are notes and indices on format, content, publishers, ecclesiastical jurisdictions, related foreign directories, and sources for microfilm copies. $5.00 postpaid plus $0.28. Wisconsin sales tax or provide tax-exempt number. Milwaukee County residents please add an additional $0.28.
Meeting of the ICA Section on Archives of Churches and Religious Denominations (ICA/SKR)
The ICA/SKR Steering Committee members met on June 11-14, 2001 at the invitation of the Interchurch Partnership of the Russian Orthodox Church in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Interchurch Partnership was legally established in January 1998 and engages in the realization of missionary and religious enlightenment programs for the Orthodox, Catholic, and Lutheran Churches in St. Petersburg. The programs were first proposed by the Orthodox Institute of Missiology, Ecumenism, and New Religious Movements, created in 1994. The President of the Interchurch Partnership is Archpriest Vladimir Fedorov and the Executive Director is Marina Shishova. In attendance at the meeting , were Steering Committee members from Israel, Germany, The Netherlands, Russia, and the United States. The meeting was attended by Archbishop Francisco Marchisano, President of the Pontifical Commission for Preservation of Cultural Heritage at Vatican. The agenda of the meeting and discussion concentrated on several tasks and issues. The SKR will soon be distributing its own newsletter and five-language brochure. The Task Force was established to prepare guidelines and initiate ideas for a future networking system and fundraising to help religious archives with lack of staff and funds, especially in remote areas of the world. The creation of resources for teaching workshops was also discussed. The website of ICA/SKR will be lunched soon and should serve in the future as a resource of such information. Present ICA website is still in under reconstruction: http://archives.ca/ica. This website links to the ICA Listserve (ICA_L).