Heritage and Research Center at Saint Mary’s

06/24/2026

HARC's first exhibit, created to celebrate the blessing of the building by Bishop Kevin C. Rhodes of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend is now available to view virtually!

HARC was established to ensure that the voices and histories of ten congregations of Catholic women religious are protected, preserved, and shared. This exhibit represents sisters' stories of faith, work, and witness that shaped communities around the world. HARC's first exhibit, created to celebrat...

06/17/2026

On June 16, 2026, HARC was honored to welcome Bishop Jean-Pierre Vuillemin of the Diocese of Le Mans, France! Accompanied by Sisters of the Holy Cross at Saint Mary’s, he toured the facility and enjoyed a special look inside our vault, home to many treasured artifacts.

06/11/2026

HARC is proud to preserve the stories and legacy of Catholic sisters for future generations, helping bring together archives that deepen understanding of the lasting impact of women religious.

Read more about HARC in the article below from Global Sisters Report.

A new archive and research center in Notre Dame, Indiana offers a home for the stories of Catholic sisters in the Midwest — records that might otherwise have been lost.

06/09/2026

HARC was recently featured in the spring 2026 issue of the American Catholic Studies Newsletter, published by the Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism. Read the article below!

The American Catholic Studies Newsletter, published twice a year by the Cushwa Center, reviews the latest scholarship in the field. It also features guest articles and interviews, book review essays, news items from our network, and information on relevant archival holdings at Notre Dame and beyond.

06/04/2026

Among the treasured artifacts of the Sisters of the Holy Cross is the ingenious “fluting machine” invented by Sister M. Cyril (Bux), CSC (1860–1942). ✨

When the growing community faced the possibility of changing its distinctive “fluted cap,” Sister Cyril found a solution. With little training but plenty of creativity, determination and faith, she designed a “fluting machine” that mechanized the process. After trial, error and perseverance, her invention was completed in 1920—and served the Congregation for decades.

In town for Reunion Weekend? Stop by the Heritage and Research Center at Saint Mary’s during its open house June 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to see this remarkable artifact in person.

Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN
University of Notre Dame

06/02/2026

Collections are arriving at HARC! New materials just arrived from the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood in O'Fallon, Missouri. We're excited to receive these incredible artifacts including many beautiful works of art.

05/29/2026

We are blessed here at the Heritage and Research Center (HARC) at Saint Mary’s! ✨

On May 26, 2026, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades blessed the new space during a special opening celebration. In attendance were members of the 10 founding congregations and honored guests. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Learn more about HARC: https://harcsm.org/