The Heritage Room

History

In 1964 the museum was established and cared for by Sister Mary Electa Murphy, General Secretary of the congregation. This room remained in use as a Museum until the 125th anniversary of the Congregation in 1986. that year a new Heritage Parlour was established in the front hall of the Providence Motherhouse. In the meantime, in 1994 the former Music Studio, adjacent to the Archives, was converted into a new Museum Room and the artifacts were catalogued and processed. It soon became apparent that the space was too small to adequately house the complete collection. With the renovations in the late 1990’s a new Heritage Room to house the total collection, was established near the front entrance of Providence Motherhouse.

Mandate

The Heritage Room preserves the material culture of the congregation and enhances public understanding of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul and the Providence Associates. It assists the Sisters and Associates in tracing the roots of the Congregation, in following its traditions, and in moving into the future in fidelity to its charism, spirituality and mission.

The Museum provides for basic conservation, storage and display of artifacts in keeping with professional museum procedures and standards.

Access

In addition to being open to Sisters of Providence and Providence Associates, it is open to the general public by appointment with the Archivist of the congregation.