Pictured is a book of the 1929-1950 minutes of the St. Frances Academy alumni. COURTESY OF ARCHIVES
Do you have diocesan history in Grandma’s attic?
BY EDWARD WILSON, ARCHIVES
History can never be completely recreated. However, an honest historian can always do their best to present the most complete and accurate account that can be mustered from the sources available. The fact of the matter is that much of history is lost and will never be recovered. But we can all do our part to help ensure that the most important aspects are preserved.
The primary event that inspired this article happened earlier this year.
I was contacted by a man who is very active in the life of the local Church. He told me that he had some of his mother’s and father’s things that he wished to donate if we wanted them. He dropped them off, we had a nice conversation, and he went on his way. What he brought me was a treasure trove of local history: photos and documents dating back to 1921. It was primarily focused on two former local Catholic institutions, St. Hubertus Academy and St. Frances Academy; two schools that many people today are unaware had even existed. Among the items was something incredible: the 1929-1950 minutes of the St. Frances Academy alumni.
It is truly miraculous that this artifact made its way to the archive. This is a one-of-a-kind primary source, covering decades. It was a single breath away from being lost to us forever. Had it been in the hands of someone else, it may very well have been discarded. However, this gentleman had the foresight to bring in the things that had been accruing over generations.
The amount of raw history that finds its way to the archives in this manner is unbelievable. Recently, a local history enthusiast contacted us at the Mount Saint Joseph archive with multiple diaries. They spanned from 1916-1924. They had belonged to a woman who, in her youth, had attended the Mount’s academy for several years and wrote many of the diaries during this time. Inside were descriptions of Sisters and events that help illuminate what life was like for the academy girls in the early 20th century. Likewise, a gentleman contacted me about a large, 200-lb concrete Station of the Cross that he had in his garage from the old St. Joseph in Owensboro. (St. Joseph is my favorite historic church of the diocese. The Station of the Cross is now on display in my office outside the stacks.)
You can help the archives by being vigilant when sorting estates. Also, if you think you may have something of historic worth, it is best not to wait – you can reach out to the archive anytime; we are glad to help assess. My next article will likely cover the process of how to identify historically-significant items and how to go about donating them. Churches, priests, nuns and sisters do so much to help preserve much of our history, but vigilant parishioners can really help put even more meat on the bones.
Edward Wilson is the director of the Diocese of Owensboro’s Archives and the Archives of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Comments and questions may be sent to [email protected].
Originally printed in the January 2025 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
