American Archives Month is celebrated in October, and the Dominican Sisters of Peace celebrated in a big way.
The Columbus Motherhouse underwent a renovation in the Archives office that included the installation of movable shelving. The new shelves not only make for more efficient storage but also will allow the archives to fit the space as they continue to grow with more than 200 years of history.
“To say I’m ecstatic would not be an understatement,” Archivist Michelle Ganz said of the new space.
Discussions about the need for new storage began in 2023. After getting approval to make the capital improvement over the summer, the project itself took about three months, wrapping up, fittingly, in American Archives Month.
Ganz wanted to thank Frank Jefferson, Jessie Slaughter, Charles Jordan, and the maintenance team for their assistance in prepping the space, and for helping find temporary homes for the many boxes and other items that needed to be moved while the shelves were installed.
“With some creative thinking and the kindness of Sister Rosie Loomis and Dee (Holleran) in communications we were able to get the room cleared out to get the new shelves installed,” Ganz said.
The Archives also has two new interns. Brooke Styles, who is at the Motherhouse on Tuesdays. A graduate of Our Lady of the Elms, Styles hopes to become an archivist. Since joining in March, she has completed an awards digitization project and assisted with numerous filing projects. On Thursdays this fall, Rita Johnson will be another intern helping. A Simmons Library Science student, Johnson will catalog photos of sisters.
Sister Marilyn Ambrosic has taken the role of Oral Historian, completing nearly 60 interviews with sisters in Columbus. If you are interested in recording your oral history with Sr. Marilyn, please email her directly, or email the archives.
Having comprehensive information about sisters is one of the most important functions of the archives, and it’s done through the hard work of many different people.
Upcoming projects include the continuation of the exhibition on the Mission of Education. Part I is on the third floor of the Columbus Motherhouse, Part II is in the main foyer, and Parts III and IV will debut in 2026.
Ganz is proud of the foundation that has been built and built upon of the last three years and is excited to continue to share the treasures in the weeks, months, and years to come.
As always, please call, email, or stop by the archives if you have something you feel might belong.