Painting of crowned Virgin Mary with child Jesus, both with halos, surrounded by clouds.A nun in a white habit and blue apron standing outdoors near a large black and white cow with trees and grass in the background.Three nuns fishing by a lakeside, with two rowing a boat and one sitting on the grassy shore.Close-up of a person's face with a detailed dark tattoo covering the left side.The top of the HARC building with narrow vertical window framed by blue sky and tree branches.

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.

Explore the ArchivesPlan Your Visit
Original Documents Preserved

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

Large brick building with steep slate roof, blue double doors, and surrounding sidewalk and greenery.
Four smiling women standing outdoors on grass with trees in the background, two elderly and two younger adults.
Display of five religious vestments including gold, purple, and black robes with embroidered crosses and religious icons.
White sculpture of a sleeping baby lying curled up inside a large seashell.
Aged handwritten family list titled 'The Dead' with names and check marks.
Black and white photo of children and nuns in a classroom, some children hold toys and dolls.
Shelves filled with rows of labeled archival storage boxes in beige and gray.

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.

Explore the ArchivesPlan Your Visit
Aerial view of the HARC building under construction surrounded by scaffolding and trees, with workers installing roof tiles.
Aerial view of large buildings surrounded by autumn trees with colorful foliage near a riverbank.
Sepia-toned photo of a nun teaching a group of girls seated around a wooden table, working with yarn or thread.
Original Documents Preserved

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

About the Center

A Living Legacy, Carried Forward

Two nuns dressed in black habits and white wimples gardening outdoors with plants and flowers around them.
Textile artwork showing the phrase 'WE ARE ONE' with stylized hands and a circular emblem.
A nun in a white habit and blue apron standing outdoors near a large black and white cow with trees and grass in the background.

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.

Research

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.

Four women smiling outdoors with trees and grass in the background.
Congregations
Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross
Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters
Congregation of St. Agnes
Sisters of the Divine Savior
Sisters of the Holy Cross
Servants of Mary
Sisters of the Most Precious Blood
Sisters of St. Casimir
Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross
Discover

Engage With the Legacy

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

Explore

Visit & Experience

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

Visit HARC
Learn

Research the Collections

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

Research at HARC
Connect

Access Digital Collections

Browse thousands of digitized documents from your home or library.

Learn More

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.

HARC’s collections will be accessible starting Fall 2027. Until then, our team is available by phone or email to assist with research inquiries. Appointments are required to visit.

Schedule a VisitExplore the Archives