History of the Archives

The SCN Archival Center was established to collect, preserve, and make accessible the historical records of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Its mission is to remember the past and inspire the future, with the majority of the collection dating back to the Congregation’s founding in 1812. The archives include records of individual Sisters and the Congregation as a whole, as well as materials from SCN ministries in healthcare, social work, and education across six different countries, including the United States, Belize, Botswana, India, Nepal, and Kenya.

Before the official role of archivist was created, the responsibilities fell under the Secretary General of the Congregation, a position adopted in the 1910 Constitutions. Those in this role acted as the Congregation’s archivists until 1969.

Pictured at top: Archivist Sister Mary Ramona Mattingly works on a project in the archives.

Archival Center Staff, 1991. Pictured left to right: SCNs Catherine Leo Callahan, Mary Collette Crone, and Ann Victoria Hayden

Sister Agnes Geraldine McGann “wears” the archives to showcase SCN history during the 175th-anniversary celebrations in 1987.

Originally housed in the Nazareth Motherhouse, the archives were relocated to the second floor of O’Connell Hall after renovations in the 1990s. Due to structural concerns, the Archival Center found a new home in the Sullivan Building in April 2022, previously the Nazareth Montessori Children’s Center and the Nazareth College Lodge.

Archival Center on 2nd Floor of O’Connell Hall

Move from O’Connell Hall to new Archival Center in 2022

SCN Archival Center, October 2024

In addition to the SCN Archival Center on the Nazareth campus, the Patna and Bangalore Provinces Archival Center was established in Mokama, India in 1999. Sister Mary Chackalackal served as its first director; a role currently held by Sister Malini Manjaly. 

In 2008, with the merger of the SCNs and Vincentian Sisters of Charity of Pittsburgh, PA, the VSC archives were added to the SCN Archival Center Collection.

On July 1, 2023, the Heritage Center was formed as a result of the merger of three departments: Heritage Hall, Visitor’s Center, and the Archival Center. The SCN Heritage Center is a space for SCNs, SCN Associates, SCN Family members and guests to immerse themselves in the legacy and mission of the SCN Congregation. Kelly McDaniels currently serves as director of the Heritage Center, along with other Heritage Center staff, including Veronica Priest, Archivist, and Michael Smith, Heritage Hall Coordinator. 

Former Archivists and Secretaries General

Secretaries General

• Marie Menard, SCN
• Marie Michelle Le Bray, SCN
• Mary Joseph Ryan, SCN
• Bertrand Crimmins, SCN
• Mary Anastasia Coady, SCN

Archivists

• Mary Ramona Mattingly, SCN 1969-1977
• Agnes Geraldine McGann, SCN 1977-1988
• Mary Collette Crone, SCN 1988-1997
• Bridgid Clifford, SCN 1998-2009 
• Kathleen Hertel-Baker 2009-2023
• Kelly McDaniels 2015-Present
• Veronica Priest 2023-Present 

Archives for Patna and Bangalore Provinces in Mokama Directors

• Mary Chackalackal, SCN 1999-2011
• Maria Palathingal, SCN 2011-2018
• Mary Chackalacal, SCN 2018-2021
• Malini Manjoly, SCN 2021-Present

Collections

At the SCN Archival Center, you will find a fascinating array of records and photographs that tell the story of the SCN community. Notable items include the collected letters of Pope Pius II, a handwritten letter from St. Vincent de Paul, and the “Lincoln Note.” Additionally, the SCN Archival Center maintains items such as the Saints Mary and Elizabeth Hospital Patient Register, dating back to 1874, which includes entries for diseases such as dyspepsia (stomach ache), grippe (influenza), consumption (tuberculosis), and “sore eyes.”

Excerpt from SS. Mary and Elizabeth Patient Register

The archivists utilize these records to facilitate research requests and to share SCN history with Sisters, SCN Associates, and employees through exhibits and quarterly presentations such as Lunch and Learns.

Visitor Information

If you are interested in learning more, the SCN Archival Center is open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 11 AM and 1 PM to 4 PM, or other hours by appointment. Whether you are looking to dive deep into research or just curious about new exhibits, the Archival Center staff is always ready to help!