A Window into the Past: Unearthing the Rich History of Immaculata University’s Archives

Located in an inconspicuous corner of Immaculata University’s Gabriele Library lies a treasure trove of history: the University archives.

Upon entering, visitors immediately notice two large display cases flanking the room, meticulously labeled and organized. Among the artifacts featured are a class ring from 1925, an Amethyst Day pin and an Immaculata Medal.  Photographs and program books from milestone campus events and prominent guests line the shelves of the cases. Notably, there is a handwritten note from Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa), alongside letters from Rose Kennedy and St. Katharine Drexel.

Yet, the true depth of the archives lies beyond a temperature-controlled door, away from public view in the Historic Document Room. Though modest in size, this space holds an expansive array of historic treasures: decades-old copies of the Gleaner (the yearbook) and the Immaculatan (student newspaper) and memorabilia spanning the tenures of all ten University presidents. Areas dedicated to each academic department house information concerning the departments’ events and chronicling their rich history.

Banker boxes hold decades’ worth of news releases, alumni association and board of trustees meeting minutes, campus catalogs, brochures and flyers. A file cabinet preserves historic photos that depict the progress and history of the University, including images from the construction of Villa Maria Hall, the cornerstone of Immaculata since 1912.

In addition to the documents and photographs, the archives also safeguards tangible pieces of history. For example, the original groundbreaking shovel, used since 1908 and engraved with each subsequent building’s name and groundbreaking date, rests here until needed again for ceremonial duties.

Also preserved is a lantern from Carol Night, the University’s oldest and most beloved tradition, which according to Sister Anne Marie Burton, IHM, Immaculata’s former archivist, is one event that has largely remained faithful to its roots over the years. The archives is also home to an exact replica of the notorious metal buckets from the 1972-1974 women’s basketball championships, banned for making too much noise during away games. The bucket in the archives was used in the 2009 movie “The Mighty Macs,” which chronicled the historic first championship.

Among the larger artifacts is the original sign that graced the entrance to the Open Door, previously located in Alumnae Hall in honor of Sister Mary of Lourdes, University president from 1955-1972. Nearby, a railroad lantern from Immaculata’s original train station found a home next to a tin of World War II Civil Defense All-Purpose Survival Crackers found in Villa Maria Hall’s former bomb shelter.

Special collections grace the inter-room shelves of the Immaculata archives, including first-edition books by distinguished children’s literature authors and illustrators such as Dr. Seuss, Frank Baum (The Wizard of Oz books) and Robert Lawson (Rabbit Hill author). NO

In addition, the archives houses a rare collection of historic Bibles, dating back to 1582. Highlights include volumes from the Douay-Rheims Bible (1609-1610), the first Catholic Bible printed in the United States (1790) and a poignant illustration of the Ten Commandments from 1947. Donated mostly by Sarah M. Lorimer in memory of Elise Alexander Carter, these 27 Bibles have found a sacred repository.

In addition to the rare Bibles, an exceptional religious artifact is a 15th-century ivory panel from an English triptych depicting the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus, underscoring the University’s Catholic heritage.

The archives, as stated on the Immaculata University webpage, not only preserves historical documents but also “Frees the spirit and heritage of Immaculata University for generations to come.”

To visit the archives, please contact the staff of Gabriele Library at Immaculata University at 610-647-4400, ext. 1019. A two-part video of Sister Anne Marie Burton discussing her favorite items in the archives is also available. View the archives video series