Directory of Catholic Archives & Collections of Western Pennsylvania

Originally prepared by the Western Pennsylvania Catholic Archives Consortium (WPCAC) in 2024.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor may it be used for promotional purposes. The Directory of Catholic Archives & Collections of Western Pennsylvania has been prepared as a resource for researchers. Inclusion on this list or any reference to a specific agency, product, process, or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the WPCAC.

About the Directory

This is the Directory of Catholic Archives & Collections of Western Pennsylvania. WPCAC goal is to provide a comprehensive directory of historical collections, papers, artifacts, and oral histories that deal with the history of the Catholic Church in Western Pennsylvania. WPCAC seeks to provide researchers the location of these archives, including those that have left the region. The initial survey for the directory focused on archives of dioceses, women religious congregations, men religious congregations, universities, and historical societies.

Anawim Community

1031 Germania Road
P.O. Box 129
Frenchville, PA 16836

Contact:

Sr. Suzanne Thibault or Tish Donze
814-553-1092
srsuzanne@AnawimMinistries.org

  • Holdings: The Anawim Community runs Young People Who Care, Inc., in Frenchville. They are in the process of developing a history book through the documentation that they have of the foundress.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Clearfield County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1900s to present

Updated 2/17/2025

Benedictine Sisters of Erie

6101 East Lake Road
Erie, PA 16511

Contact:
Sister Theresa Zoky, OSB, Archivist
814-454-4846
tzoky@eriebenedictines.org

  • Holdings:
  • The archives contains records of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. Other holdings are the records of the merger of Holy Family Priory, Benet Lake, Wisconsin.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Clarion County, Erie County, Mercer County, Venango County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Ethnic origins: German
  • Published histories:
    • Morkin, Sister Mary Louis and Sister Mary Theophane Seigel. Wind in the Wheat: A Century of Prayer and Work in Erie, the Sisters of Saint Benedict, 1856-1956. Erie: McCarty Print Company, 1956.
    • Campbell, Stephanie. Vision of Change, Voices of Challenge: The History of Renewal in the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, 1958-1990. Philadelphia: Xlibris Corp, 2001.
    • Chittister, Sister Joan Chittister. The Way We Were: A Story of Conversion and Renewal. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 2005.
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 24, 2024

(Benedictine) Monastic Congregation of St. Scholastica

801 S. 8th Street
Atchison, KS 66002

Contact:

Contact:
Elaine Nadeau
913-360-6200 X 6227
archivist@federationofsaintscholastica.org

  • Holdings: The archives of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery holds the archival material of the Monastic Congregation of St. Scholastica, which includes the materials from closed communities within our Monastic Congregation, such as St. Joseph Monastery of St. Marys, PA. Materials from St. Joseph Monastery include materials on administration, including Prioresses, subprioresses, and councils, material on individual sisters, items related to missions such as schools and hospitals, liturgy, and community affairs. There are also clippings of relevant newspapers and photographic collections, as well as some video material.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Cameron County, Clarion County, Clearfield County, Crawford County, Elk County, Erie County, McKean County, Potter County, Warren CountyTime periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Ethnic origins: German. The sisters from St. Joseph Monastery originated in Eichstatt, Germany.    
  • Publications:
    • Hollerman, Ephrem, OS.B. Like a Mustard Seed: A History of the First Benedictine Women’s Monastery in North America: St. Joseph Monastery, St. Marys, Pennsylvania 1852-2014.  Lulu.com: Federation of St. Scholastica, 2022.

Updated 2/17/2025

Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh

3526 Bakerstown Road
Bakerstown, PA 15007

Contact:
Sister Judith Ann Criner, OSB, Archivist
724-766-2169
jcrinerosb@gmail.com

  • Holdings: The archives contains records of the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh. Included parish booklets, magazines, and jubilee books.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County, Cambria County, Westmoreland County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Ethnic origins: German
  • Published histories:
    • Tamburri, Elizabeth E. The Daughters of Adelgunda: The Lives and Times of the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh. Amazon Digital Services LLC, 2023.
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 24, 2024

Cambria County Historical Society

615 North Center Street
PO Box 278
Ebensburg, PA 15931

Contact:

Alexandria Kaelin
814-472-6674
awbuck@verizon.net 

  • Holdings: The Cambria County Historical Society contains published histories and parish records dealing with the Catholic Church in Cambria County.  Click here to see a full list.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Cambria County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1700s to present
  • Digital Resources:

Updated 2/17/2025

Capuchin Province of St. Augustine

220 37th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15210

Contact:
Father John Petrikovic, OFM Cap., Archivist
412-682-6011, ext. 129
jp@capuchin.com

  • Holdings: The archives includes chronicles from 1873, publications of the province, personal records of professed friars, and memorabilia.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Cambria County, Lawrence County, Somerset County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Ethnic origins: German
  • Published histories:
    • Capuchins Province of Saint Augustine. The Early Years of the Province (1873-1907). Pittsburgh: Province of St. Augustine, 1973.

Updated April 29, 2024

Carlow University

3333 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Contact:
Alyson Koenig, Archivist
412-578-6142
ankoenig@carlow.edu

  • Holdings: The Carlow University Archives are comprised of materials related to the history of Carlow University, from its roots as Our Lady of Mercy Academy through the founding of Mount Mercy College in 1929 to its existence today as Carlow University. The Carlow University Archives were held in storage from 2014 to 2021. Library staff are working to restore the archives to their full potential, starting with unboxing and arranging the contents of the collection and creating a high-level inventory. The archives are currently inaccessible until further notice.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Ethnic origins: Irish
  • Published histories:
    • Busin, Nicola C. “Carlow College 1929-1990: Tradition and Change at a Catholic Women’s College.” PhD diss., University of Pittsburgh, 1996.
    • Busin, Nicola C. “Carlow University, 1929-2020: Mother House and Academy: A Continuing Mission and Curriculum.” Unpublished manuscript, 2020.
    • Rizzi, Michael T. “Carlow University’s Catholic, Mercy Mission and Identity: Faculty, Staff, and Student Perceptions.” PhD diss., University of Pittsburgh, 2017.
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 24, 2024

Catholic Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania

CHSWPA Archives is housed at Duquesne University
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Contact:
Thomas White
412-396-4870
whitet@duq.edu or info@chswpa.org

  • Holdings: This collection consists of 40.5 linear feet of materials, 13.5 being records and manuscripts and the rest artifacts and books. The records date from 1815 to 2006. The collection is made up of the records of the CHSWP and other manuscripts, newspapers, personal collections, books, pamphlets, artifacts and ephemera that the organization has collected. Series I, Administrative Records, is made up of the records of the CHSWP itself. Included in these records are histories, articles of incorporation, by-laws, a constitution, directories, tax information, officers and members, newsletters, brochures, correspondence, meeting minutes, research papers, contest information, treasurer’s reports and bank statements. The bulk of this material was created between 1986 and 2006. Series II, General Collection consists of a wide variety of historical material collected by the organization over the years. Included are histories, articles, manuscripts, dedications, brochures, invitations, correspondence, programs, obituaries, videos, clippings, receipts, directories, presentations, yearbooks, and miscellaneous materials. Series III, the Bishop Ackerman Collection, consists of four file folders from the mid 1950’s and includes a newspaper, correspondence and programs. Series IV, the Bowen, Lohmann, Little Collection consists of family papers from the 1800’s. Included are correspondence, financial documents, poems, clippings, deeds, a death certificate, programs, music, a pew holder’s certificate, newspapers, a letter of presentation, and miscellaneous materials. Series V, the Congregation of the Religious Sisters of Mercy Collection includes advertisements, correspondence, booklets, photographs, transcripts, and clippings. Series VI, the Bishop Deardon Collection includes dedications, correspondence, a speech, a coat of arms, newspapers, booklets, and programs. Series VII, the John Fetter Collection includes articles, booklets, cards, invitations, programs, correspondence, clippings, photographs, badges and ribbons, and miscellaneous materials. Series VIII, the Robert A. Foley Collection includes programs, obituaries, newspapers and photographs. Series IX, the Greensburg Diocese Collection includes newspapers, clippings, dedications, menus, and a song booklet. Most of the materials are from the 1950’s. Series X, the Bishop Jerome D. Hannan Collection includes programs, souvenirs and periodicals. The materials are from the 1950’s. Series XI, the Lambing Collection includes books, newspapers, souvenirs, programs, reports, clippings, photographs, and miscellaneous materials. Series XII, the Rev. John McDowell Collection includes programs, correspondence, transcripts, newspapers, articles, and miscellaneous materials. Series XIII, Photographs includes all paper photographs that are not a part of another collection or the oversized collection. Series XIV, Sesquicentennial (Diocese of Pittsburgh) includes clippings, a calendar, programs, photos, video, pamphlets, directories, correspondence, newspapers, stickers, committee materials, and miscellaneous materials. Series XV, Glass Plate Slides- St. Paul’s Cathedral includes glass photographs that document the various incarnations of St. Paul’s. Series XVI, Oversized Materials, is made up of eighteen oversized archival folders which contain material that corresponds to other series but was too large for traditional boxes. The series includes photographs, leases, certificates, musical scores, newspapers, clippings, and negatives. Series XVII, Artifacts, is housed in nine artifact storage boxes (approximately 9 linear feet) and includes all of the three-dimensional objects that have been collected by the society since its formation. Finding aid available for the collection.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Washington County, Westmoreland County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Publications:
  • Digital Resources:
    • Full text of back issues of Gathered Fragments, Journal of the Catholic Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania can be found here

Updated 3/31/2025

Congregation of the Divine Spirit

2700 Harvard Avenue, NW
Canton, OH 44709

Contact:
Sister Janet Harold, CDS
330-453-8526

  • Holdings: The archives contains the following:  1. Documents regarding the founding of the Community in 1956 by Archbishop John Mark Gannon with Sister Patricia O’Connor as founding superior.  2. Awards and recognition given to members to the Community, especially to Erie-native Sister Ann Jeanne for her ministry to the aged.  3. Plans regarding construction and stained glass windows in the chapel of the Motherhouse, 409 West Sixth Street, Erie, PA.  4. Newspaper articles related to the Community and accomplishments. 5. Photographs documenting community life. 6. Unpublished writings of members, especially Mother Patricia O’Connor.  7. book form, collected sermons of Archbishop John Mark Gannon, Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Cameron County, Elk County, Erie County, Forest County, McKean County, Potter County, Warren County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1900s to present

Updated 2/17/2025

Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans) Province of the United States

6230 Brush Run Road
Bethel Park, PA 15102

Contact:
Freddy Washington, C.S.Sp., Archivist
412-831-0302 ext. 422
Archivist@Spiritans.org

  • Holdings: The archives contains records of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans) USA Province. Includes chronicles from 1873, publications of the province, personal records of members, photos, and memorabilia. Includes letters and communications with our Founders and early pastors of our missions and ministries in the USA. Information on our ministries at Pittsburgh parishes, Duquesne University, Holy Ghost Prep, Ferndale Theological Seminary, Holy Childhood Association, parish booklets, magazines, books written by Spiritans, and jubilee books.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Ethnic origins: French
  • Published histories:
    • Koren, Henry J. Knaves and Knights, A. History of the Spiritan Missionaries in Acadia and North America, 1732-1839. Pittsburgh: Spiritus Press, 1962.
    • Koren, Henry J. The Spiritans. Pittsburgh: Spiritus Press, 1958.
      Koren, Henry J.  To the End of the Earth: A General History of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Pittsburgh: Spiritus Press, 1983.
    • Koren, Henry J. A Spiritan Who Was Who in North America and Trinidad, 1732-1981. Pittsburgh: Spiritus Press, 1983.
    • Koren, Henry J. The Serpent and the Dove: A History of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost in the United States 1745- 1984. Pittsburgh: Spiritus Press, 1985.
    • Rishel, Joseph F. and Paul Demillo. The Spirit That Gives Life: The History of Duquesne University, 1878-1996. Pittsburgh: Duquesne University Press, 1997.

Updated 2/17/2025

Diocese of Erie

429 East Grandview Blvd.
Erie, PA 16514

Contact:
Father Justin P. Pino
814-824-1138
jppino@eriercd.org

  • Holdings: The archive first was first begun in the 1920s by the then-chancellor of the diocese. The collections have grown in the past century and were relocated from the episcopal residence to Gannon University and finally to the Diocesan Administration complex in the early 1990s.The Diocesan Archives is responsible for preserving the historical patrimony of the diocese. The Archives preserves diocesan (but not parish) records. Among the duties of the archivist is the proper care of liturgical items, such as chalices, ciboria, etc., which are no longer in use. The Diocese also holds some records of parishes and schools within the Diocese of Erie.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Cameron County, Clarion County, Clearfield County, Crawford County, Elk County, Erie County, Forest County, Jefferson County, McKean County, Mercer County, Potter County, Venango County, Warren County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Published histories:
    • Barcio, Robert G. A Cathedral in the Wilderness. Erie: Diocese of Erie, 1991.
    • Barcio, Robert G. “That You Love One Another:” The Life and Times of Archbishop John Mark Gannon. Erie: Diocese of Erie, 1996.
    • Barcio, Robert G. Shepherds and Sheep: A History of the Diocese of Erie. Erie: Meridian Creative Group, 2002.
    • Barcio, Robert G. and James Kelvington. Pictorial History of the Diocese of Erie, 1853-2003. Strasbourg: Editions du Signe, 2003.
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 24, 2024

Diocese of Greensburg

723 E. Pittsburgh Street
Greensburg, PA 15601

Contact:
Monsignor James Gaston, Archivist
724-552-2505
archives@dioceseofgreensburg.org

  • Holdings: The Diocese of Greensburg Archives collects and preserves the historic and executive records and artifacts of the four-county diocese which was established in 1951. The collections of the archives include the personal and public papers of the previous diocesan bishops, parish histories, historical photographs, records of diocesan offices, and a variety of historic media on various multimedia formats. The overall mission and purpose of the Archives is to collect, preserve, and make available those historic documents and artifacts that compose the historic Catholic patrimony. It’s the determination of the archives staff to fuel the future endeavors of the diocese with the record of its past achievements and undertakings.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Armstrong County, Fayette County, Indiana County, Westmoreland County
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 24, 2024

Diocese of Greensburg, Diocesan Heritage Center

2900 Seminary Drive
Greensburg, PA 15601

Contact:
Jerry Bertig, Director
724-837-0901, ext. 2021
jbertig@dioceseofgreensburg.org

  • Holdings: The Diocesan Heritage Center, blessed May 13, 2014, by Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt, the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg, is a public location that houses artifacts, pictures, and documents from the history of the diocese and all of its parishes. Its mission is “to collect, preserve, and assemble the cultural and archival patrimony of the Diocese.” The heritage center holds religious and liturgical items beyond the scope of the diocese, including objects from Pope St. John Paul II.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Armstrong County, Fayette County, Indiana County, Westmoreland County
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 24, 2024

Diocese of Pittsburgh

1050 Logue Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15220

Contact:
Dennis P. Wodzinski
412-456-3158
dwodzinski@diopitt.org

  • Holdings: The purpose of the Archives and Records Center is to establish an archival and records management program for central diocesan administration, parishes, schools and all other diocesan-related institutions and organizations. We collect, maintain and preserve the records of organizations and institutions engaged in the work of the Catholic Church in the six Southwestern Pennsylvania counties (Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence, Washington) included in the diocese. We make this information available to diocesan officials, the Catholic community, historians and other researchers. The Archives and Records Center also assists parishes, schools and diocesan offices in managing their records. We prepare records retention schedules and offer advice as to how offices can better control and manage their records. We operate an outreach program to make the larger community of Southwestern Pennsylvania aware of the rich historical heritage of the Church of Pittsburgh. This is done through presentations to groups, exhibits and other programs. The Diocese of Pittsburgh also holds records produced by lay Catholic organizations, in addition to parish, school, and administrative collections.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Washington County, Westmoreland County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Published histories:
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 24, 2024

Duquesne University

600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Contact:
Thomas White
412-396-4870
whitet@duq.edu

  • Holdings: The Duquesne University Archive holds the records of the University and affiliate programs, plus special collections. Special collections include the Musmanno Collection, the Clarke Collection, the Catholic Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania Records, along with the papers of Cardinal John Wright, Rabbi Herman Hailperin, Cyril Wecht, among others.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Greene County, Lawrence County, Washington County, Westmoreland County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Published histories:
    • Clees, William J. “Duquesne University: Its Years of Struggle, Sacrifice, and Service.” PhD diss., 1970.
    • Danner, F.A. Side-Lights on the Early History of Duquesne University. Publisher not identified, 1933-1936.
    • Rishel, Joseph F. and Paul Demillo. The Spirit That Gives Life: The History of Duquesne University, 1878-1996. Pittsburgh: Duquesne University Press, 1997.
    • Snyder, James L. Duquesne University, 1878-1953. Publisher not identified, 1953.
    • White, Thomas, and David W. Pentico. A Higher Perspective: 100 Years of Business Education at Duquesne University. Pittsburgh: Duquesne University Press, Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, 2013.
    • Woodside, Robert V. One Hundred Years of Excellence, 1911-2011: The Centennial History of Duquesne University School of Law. Pittsburgh: Duquesne University, 2011.
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 24, 2024

Felician Sisters of North America

36700 Schoolcraft Road
Livonia, MI 48150

Contact:
Sister Grace Marie Del Priore
olharchives@feliciansisters.org

  • Holdings: The Felician Sisters’ archive in Livonia, Michigan, holds records related to the sisters’ provinces in Coraopolis and Beaver Falls, as well as ministries such as McGuire Memorial Home, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School, and others.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County, Beaver County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1900s to present
  • Published histories:
    • Felician Sisters. Magnificat: A Centennial Record of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Felix (the Felician Sisters) 1855. November 1955.
    • Kadyszewski, Sister Mary Jane, CSSF. One of the Family: History of the Felician Sisters, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Province, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania 1920-1977. Pittsburgh: Wolfson Publishing Co., Inc, 1982.
    • Zakrzewski, Sister Mary Theophane, CSSF. “An Historical Study of the Congregation of the Felician Sisters in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. MA thesis, Duquesne University, 1954.
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 29, 2024

Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Most Sacred Heart

Loretto, PA 15940

Contact:
Zach Doll
814-243-4584
zdoll@franciscanstor.org

Updated April 24, 2024

Gannon University

Nash Library & Student Learning Commons
109 University Square
Pittsburgh, PA 16541

Contact:
Lori A. Grossholz
814-871-7555
Grossholz001@gannon.edu

  • Holdings: The University Archives strives to preserve materials that document the University’s history and development and the activities and achievements of its administrators, staff, faculty, students, alumni, and benefactors. Gannon University also holds yearbooks from some area schools and publications in the Diocese of Erie.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Erie County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1900s to present
  • Published histories:
    • Barcio, Robert. The Story of Gannon University: Education on the Square. Erie: Gannon University, 1985.
    • Barcio, Robert G. “That You Love One Another:” The Life and Times of Archbishop John Mark Gannon. Erie: Diocese of Erie, 1996.
    • Czarnecki, Greg. Gannon University: The Campus History Series. Charleston: Arcadia Publishing, 2019.
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 24, 2024

Heinz History Center, Detre Library & Archives

1212 Smallman Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Contact:
Matthew Strauss
412-454-6364
library@heinzhistorycenter.org

  • Holdings: The History Center’s Detre Library & Archives preserves a multitude of records pertaning Catholicism in Western Pennsylvania. These primarily consist of collections deriving from Catholic clergy, families, educators, organizations, fraternal organizations, as well as women religious. The Detre Library & Archives also preserves a small array of collections related to Catholic parishes. A strength of the collection are oral history interviews recorded with Catholic Italian Americans, from clergy to laypeople. Also of note are the Astorino Records on the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, which document the work of Louis D. Astorino, the first American architect to design a building in the Vatican. Prominent priests such as Father Thomas F. Coakley and Father James Cox are also represented in the History Center’s collection. The Detre Library & Archives also has significant holdings documenting Catholic families from a variety of ethnic groups, including Irish, Czechoslovak, Polish, Italian, Slovak, Lithuanian, Slovenian, Greek, Ukrainian, and Croatian. The organization’s holdings also include records pertaining to the work of religious orders such as the Passionists, the Vincentian Sisters of Charity, and the Sisters of St. Francis. Also included are collections pertaining to other Catholic entities such as the Catholic Daughters of America, St. Joseph’s Military Academy, Vincentian Academy, the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, and St. Francis School of Nursing.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County, Cambria County, Erie County, Lawrence County, Washington County, Westmoreland County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Digital Resources:
    • Click here to see a full list of the Heinz History Center’s Catholic-related library holdings and digitized content.

Updated April 24, 2024

La Roche University

9000 Babcock Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Contact:
Allyssa Yanniello
412-536-1055
allyssa.yanniello@laroche.edu

  • Holdings: Our collection features a wide variety of information related to the continued development of La Roche, with the many contributions of individuals and organizations to its growth, spanning from the 1950s to present day. Strengths of the collection include our variety of student and staff publications such as the former student newspaper The Courier (1993-2021) and the alumni publication the La Roche University Magazine (1993-Present), our Photographic Collection, and our Audiovisual Collection. However, we house all material related to the University, including points of interest such as our collection of realia, featuring items such as art created by Sisters who have worked at the University, statues, trophies, and much more.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1900s to present
  • Published histories:
    • Northland Local History: People and Places. Vol. 1.
    • Once in a Jubilant Year: 50th Anniversary Memories of La Roche College. Pittsburgh: Northland Public Library, n.d.
    • Yanniello, Allyssa. “Spotlight on Archives: La Roche University Archives.” Gathered Fragments, 24 (Winter 2024).
  • Digital Resources:

Updated 2/17/2025

Ladies of Bethany

Contact:
Kathleen Washy, Archivist
724-869-6523
kwashy@stjoseph-baden.org

  • Holdings: The Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden Archives holds 1.25 linear feet of records from the Ladies of Bethany. Some of the records are in Dutch. Also included in the collection are photographs. There are also archival records at the Ladies of Bethany in the Netherlands.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County, Butler County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1900s to 2000s
  • Ethnic origins: Dutch
  • See also: Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden
  • Published histories:

Updated April 24, 2024

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart

Contact:
Sister Angela Ann Zukowski, MHSH, D.Min.
412-831-0302 ext. 422
Azukowski1@dayton.edu

  • Holdings: The Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart had convents in Erie and Pittsburgh.  The sisters gave workshops and lectures within Western Pennsylvania. They began televised Catholic catechetical programs on local television channels in Pittsburgh for many years. There is some material in Baltimore but the main collection at the Catholic University of America Archives.  The Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart collection is listed as “Records. 1888-2022, n.d., 630 feet; 824 boxes. Significant portion, mostly audiovisual, of collection stored off site, extra retrieval time needed.” 
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Erie County, Mercer County, Warren County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Digital Resources:

Updated 2/17/2025

Mount Aloysius College

Mount Aloysius College Library
7373 Admiral Peary Highway
Cresson, PA 16630

Contact:
Robert Stere
814-886-6450
rstere@mtaloy.edu

  • Holdings: The archival collection covers the history of Mount Aloysius from 1853 to the present, with some coverage of the Sisters of Mercy in central Pennsylvania.
    Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Cambria County
    Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Ethnic origins: Irish
  • Published histories:
    • Biter, Miriam Rita.  A Brief History of the Loretto Foundation of the Sisters of Mercy. Dallas, PA: Sisters of Mercy, 1998.
    • A Legacy of Mercy. Cresson: Mount Aloysius College, 2002.
    • Pulling, Sister Anne Frances. Sisters of Mercy of Loretto-Cresson: Biographical Sketches of the Sisters of Mercy Who Comprised a Small Mercy Community High in the Allegheny Mountains of Western Pennsylvania.  Cresson: Sisters of Mercy, 1994.

Updated 2/17/2025

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

PO Box 43
Childs, MD 21916

Contact:
Mark Plaushin, OSFS, PhD
610-509-5888
archive@oblates.org

  • Holdings: The  Fr. Anthony J. Dougherty OSFS Archive, North American Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (NAO) preserves the legacy (patrimony) of the North American Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and serve the Church by: (a) encouraging equitable access to the historical record and (b) by telling the story of the Oblates in North America. Our main effort is to give the People of God access to the intellectual and inspirational materials useful in practicing the spirituality of Francis de Sales. Our secondary effort is to highlight the goodness, struggles, and accomplishments of our confreres and the NAO, with special reference to how, when, and where individual Oblates, groups of Oblates, or the larger community have influenced the church or American history and culture. The tertiary effort is to create the optimum environment for the Archive, while noting that the Archive is open to exploring collaboration with other archives and is pre-pared to assist other archives. The Fr. Dougherty Archive is organized into five sections with a common catalogue hosted by Librarika.com, though not yet available to the public.
  • The Archive has four areas of special focus: 1) Salesian spirituality. 2)History of the North American Provinces. Note that records from individual apostolates or ministries are valued to the extent that their accession serves the larger story of the NAO. 3) Histories, biographies, contributions, and struggles of individuals or small groups of Frères. 4) Assets which can be organized thematically to illuminate: (a) The sanctity or contributions of Frères or the community and, (b) our service to the Church and our relationship or response to needs arising from changes in the Church and American society and culture, especially as related to social issues and vulnerable populations.
  • Additional Holdings: The Childs location is a non-lending library and archival repository that provides qualified access to assets in the physical domain. The Fr. Paul Marie Fournier, OSFS, Library is an online repository and contains both “public” and “private” assets in text and audio/visual formats. Private assets can only be viewed by the Archivist or authorized users. The Repository for Relics & Artifacts, which focuses on safeguarding some of the Archive’s physical domain assets and curating displays and kits for educational programs. The Fr. Anthony Ceresko, OSFS, Archival Laboratory experiments with ways to disseminate Archive content via social media and other forums. The laboratory is co-located with the Childs Library. The lab is expected to be fully operational in 2025.The Archive maintains the Oblates of St, Francis de Sales Cemetery. Of special interest is the Archive’s work to provide a robust program that honors veterans who have ‘twice served,’ that is having served as both a member of the military and as an Oblate.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Erie County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1900s
  • Ethnic origins: French

Updated 2/17/2025

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

101 Community College Way
Johnstown, PA 15904

Contact:
Barbara Zaborowski
814-262-6425
bzabor@pennhighlands.edu

  • Holdings: The Cambria City Churches collection of the Cambria Memory Project, hosted by Penn Highlands Community College, has a digitized collection of materials dedicated to five former churches in Cambria City. Physical holdings are also held by the college. Churches include: St. Columba (Irish), St. Rochus (Croation), St. Stephen (Slovak), Immaculate Conception (German), and Ss. Casimir and Emerich (Polish & Hungarian).
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Cambria County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1900-1999
  • Ethnic origins: Irish, German, Croatian, Slovak, Polish, Hungarian
  • Published histories:
    • Zaborowski, Barbara. Last Rites: Preserving the History of the Catholic Churches in Cambria City. (Apollo, PA: Closson Press, 2010)
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 24, 2024

The Pittsburgh Oratory of St. Philip Neri

4450 Bayard Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Contact:
Father Thomas Skamai

  • Holdings:  The Archives contain the history of the community of priests and brothers, and of their ministry to students since 1961.  Also contained in the archives are a few letters of St. John Henry Newman, as well as his cassock and biretta.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Published histories:

Updated 2/17/2025

Saint Anthony Chapel (Shrines of Pittsburgh)

1704 Harpster Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Contact:
Kate Lukaszewicz
kate.lukaszewicz@gmail.com

  • Holdings: The documents include copies of records that were part of the Mollinger estate court case in 1892 to 1893; documents regarding the efforts to restore the Chapel in the 1970s; and meeting minutes, contracts, and ephemera of the St. Anthony Chapel Committee from the 1980s to present. The most compelling documents address 1990s research by the Chapel Committee in the 1990s with the Netherlands and Belgium. The records include documents in Dutch that relate to the Mollinger estate; these records can also be found in the Allegheny County Courthouse archives.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Ethnic origins: German
  • Published histories:

Updated 3/16/2025

Saint Francis University

117 Evergreen Drive
Loretto, PA 15940

Contact:
Carol Stoltz
814-472-3165
cstoltz@francis.edu

  • Holdings: The Mission of the Saint Francis University Archives is to collect, preserve, and make available institutional records of enduring value. The Archives serve as the institutional repository of Saint Francis University. The University also holds records related to St. Francis Academy, St. Francis Seminary, etc.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Cambria County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Published histories:
    • Saint Francis College (Loretto, Pa). This Is the Story of Saint Francis College … Loretto: Saint Francis College, 1972.
    • Saint Francis College (Loretto, Pa). Letters from Loretto: Sesquicentennial 1847-1997. Loretto: Saint Francis College, 1997.
    • Saint Francis College (Loretto, Pa). Maurice. Loretto: Saint Francis College, 1997.
    • Woznak, John F. Stewards of the Vision: Saint Francis College, 1847-1997. Loretto: St. Francis College, 1997.
  • Digital Resources:

Updated 2/17/2025

725 Glenwood Avenue
Ambridge, PA 15003

Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish Archives

Contact:
Maria Notarianni
724-266-6565
archives@saintluke.net

  • Holdings: The archives room at Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish displays pictures from our merged parishes of Good Samaritan, Ambridge; St. John the Baptist, Baden; Our Lady of Peace, Conway; and Saints John & Paul, Franklin Park. (Good Samaritan was also a merged parish that includes the former Catholic churches of Ambridge: St. Veronica, Divine Redeemer, St. Stanislaus, Christ the King, and Holy Trinity) Other items on display: Cornerstone contents, school newspapers and class photos, memorabilia, and file folders containing programs, history, blueprints, correspondents, and other items.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Beaver County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1900s to present
  • Ethnic origins: German (Bavarian)
  • Digital Resources:

Updated 2/17/2025

Saint Vincent Archabbey and Saint Vincent College

300 Fraser Purchase Road
Latrobe, PA 15650

Contact:
Guy Davis
724-805-2967
guy.davis@stvincent.edu

  • Holdings: Our archives contain materials from many different parishes throughout the western Pennsylvania area as well as satellite parishes founded by the Benedictine monks of Saint Vincent which are scattered throughout the U.S. and the entire world. Our founders originally catered to the German immigrants of western PA and much of our early writings are in German.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County, Butler County, Cambria County, Centre County, Elk County, Erie County, Fayette County, Indiana County, Westmoreland County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1700s to present
  • Ethnic origins: German (Bavarian)
  • Published histories: These are just some of the publications that deal with the history of Saint Vincent Archabbey and Saint Vincent College.
    • Gavaler, Campion P., ed. Saint Vincent: A Benedictine Place. Latrobe: Saint Vincent Archabbey, 1995.
    • Hainsey, Jordan M., ed.  Boniface: The Complete Portraits of Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B.  Latrobe: Saint Vincent Archabbey Publications, 2013.
    • Heisey, Daniel J. Saint Vincent Seminary from Its Origins to the Present. Latrobe: Saint Vincent Archabbey Publications, 2006.
    • Huber, Celestine. The Centenary of Saint Vincent Archabbey and College: Latrobe, Pennsylvania, September 2, 3, 4, 1946. Latrobe: The Archabbey, 1946.
    • Katselas, Tasso. Saint Vincent Monastery. Latrobe: Saint Vincent Archabbey Press, 1967.
    • Kaeder, Maurice. Sermon in Honor of the Centenary Jubilee of St. Vincent Parish, Westmoreland, Co. Latrobe: St. Vincent Abbey, 1890.
    • Kline, Omer U. The Saint Vincent Archabbey Gristmill and Brewery, 1854-2000: An Historical Narrative. Latrobe: Saint Vincent Archabbey, 2000.
    • Kline, Omer U. The Sportman’s Hall Parish, Later Named Saint Vincent, 1790-1846. Latrobe: Saint Vincent Archabbey Press, 1990.
    • Kollar, Rene. Saint Vincent Archabbey and Its Role in the Development of Slovak-American Culture and History. Latrobe: The Archabbey, 2000.
    • Moosmüller, Oswald, O.S.B. Translated by Maria Von Mickwitz and Warren Murrman O.S.B.  Boniface Wimmer: Abbot of Saint Vincent in Pennsylvania. Latrobe: Saint Vincent Archabbey Publications, 2019.
    • Murrman, Warren, O.S.B.  A History of ‘The Ridge’: The Saint Boniface Woodlands Property on Chestnut Ridge Owned by Saint Vincent Archabbey. Independently published, 2022.
    • Oetgen, Jerome.  Mission to America: A History of Saint Vincent Archabbey, the First Benedictine Monastery in the United States. Washington D.C.: The Catholic University Press, 2000.
    • Oetgen, Jerome. Saint Vincent Archabbey’s Mission to China: 1923-1933. Inpendently published, 1997.
    • Optaka-Metzgar, Kimberly A. The Saint Vincent Fire. Latrobe: Saint Vincent Archabbey Publications, 2013. 
    • Optaka-Metzgar, Kimberly A. et al. The Saint Vincent Basilica, Latrobe, Pennsylvania: One Hundred Years. Latrobe: Saint Vincent Archabbey Publications, 2005.
    • Optaka-Metzgar, Kimberly A. et al. Saint Vincent Past to Present: A Visual Journey.  Latrobe: Saint Vincent Archabbey Publications, 2008.
    • Saint Vincent Archabbey. The Crypt of St. Vincent Archabbey. Latrobe: Archabbey Press, 1949.
    • Strittmatter, Blase, O.S.B. Forward, Always Forward: The History and Construction of the Wimmer Memorial Statue. Latrobe: Saint Vincent Archabbey Publications, 2004.

Updated 2/17/2025

Seton Hill University

1 Seton Hill Drive
Greensburg, PA 15601

Contact:
Casey Bowser
724-830-1155
cbowser@setonhill.edu

  • Holdings:
    The Mission of the Seton Hill University Archives is to collect, preserve, and make available institutional records of enduring value. The Archives serves as the institutional repository of Seton Hill University. The University also holds records related to St. Joseph Academy, St. Mary’s School for Boys, the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education, the National Education Center for Women in Business, etc.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Westmoreland County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Ethnic origins: Irish & German
  • See also: Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 24, 2024

Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill

129 DePaul Center Road
Greensburg, PA 15601

Contact:
Casey Bowser
724-853-7948
cbowser@scsh.org

  • Holdings: The Archives of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill has as its mission the documentation of the history and charism of the congregation in relation to: Founders and Patrons, Membership, Community Life, Governance/Administration, Temporalities, and Apostolic Ministries.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Bedford County, Butler County, Cambria County, Erie County, Fayette County, Indiana County, Somerset County, Washington County, Westmoreland County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1700s to present
  • Ethnic origins: Irish & German
  • See also: Seton Hill University
  • Published histories:
    • Augustine, Joan and Mary Electa Boyle. The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill. Volume 2, 1945-2002. Greensburg: Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, 2005.
    • Bowser, Casey and Louise Grundish. Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill. Charleston: Arcadia Publishing, 2019.
    • Boyle, Mary Electa. Mother Seton’s Sisters of Charity in Western Pennsylvania. Greensburg: Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, 1946.
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 24, 2024

Sisters of Divine Providence, Marie de la Roche Province

9000 Babcock Blvd.
Allison Park, PA 15101

Contact:
Sister Mary Jane Beatty, Archivist
412-445-5464
archives@cdpsisters.org

  • Holdings: The archives holds materials for the Marie de la Province as well as the two former provinces of Kingston, Massachusetts, and St. Louis, Missouri
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Ethnic origins: German
  • Digital Resources:
    • The collection is being actively digitized with goals to make these records available publicly.

Updated April 24, 2024

Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth

310 N. River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016

Contact:
Sister Rebecca Sullivan
rsullivan@nazarethcsfn.org
412-818-0239

  • Holdings: The archives of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth contain the documents related to the history from the time of our arrival in the Pittsburgh region in 1895 to the present day. Besides the history we have information about the governance and personal records of our sisters who served in this area, with a small collection of artifacts and numerous photographs of events, (most are not identified). We have a very limited amount of information on the parish we served at. The collection is currently housed in Des Plaines, Illinois.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Blair County, Erie County, Washington County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Ethnic origins: Polish

Updated April 24, 2024

Sisters of the Holy Spirit

5246 Clarwin Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15229

Contact:
412-931-1917

  • Holdings: The archival collection covers the history of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit.
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1900s to present
  • Ethnic origins: Polish
  • Published histories:
    • Witt, Sally, C.S.J.  A Hidden Spirit: The History of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.  Tarentum: Word Association Publishers, 2014.

Updated 2/17/2025

Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God

Congregational Archives:
Irmãs de São Francisco da Providência de Deus
Rua João di Pietro, 152 Jd. Leonor
05614-010 São Paulo, SP Brasil

St. Francis Academy Archives:
SFA Alumnae Association
P.O. Box 14590
Pittsburgh, PA 15234

St. Francis Academy Student Records:
Diocese of Pittsburgh Archives & Records Center
1050 Logue Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15220

  • Holdings: The archival collection includes material on the history of the congregation, St. Francis Academy, Franciscan Child Day Care Center, San Damiano Consort, and Sisters Place.  The collection has been relocated to three separate locations. The congregational archives was moved to Brazil; St. Francis Academy student records were transferred to the Diocese of Pittsburgh Records and Archives Center; and the St. Francis Academy Archives is housed with the St. Francis Academy Alumnae Association.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County, Butler County, Clearfield County, Fayette County, Greene County, Lawrence County, Washington County, Westmoreland County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1900s to present
  • Ethnic origins: Lithuanian
  • Published histories:
    • Gimper, Eileen Leindecker, Ph.D. A Celebration of Franciscan Spirit: Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God 1922-2000.  Pittsburgh: New Image Press, 2002.

Updated 2/17/2025

Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden

1020 W. State Street
Baden, PA 15005

Contact:
Kathleen Washy, Archivist
724-869-6523
kwashy@stjoseph-baden.org

  • Holdings: The Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden Archives contains material on the sisters’ teaching, healthcare, social service, foreign mission, and justice ministries from their founding in 1869 to the present. Records of sponsored ministries include: 1. Mount Gallitzin Academy (1869-2009), consisting of both student records and historical archives; 2. St. Joseph’s Hospital (1904-1977), consisting of historical records of the hospital, School of Nursing and the Alumnae Association. There are no student or patient records but there is some information on the alumnae members; 3. Mount Gallitzin High School (1929/1934-1967), consisting of historical archives and yearbooks for certain years. All student records are located at the Diocese of Pittsburgh Records and Archives Center. 4. Fontbonne Academy (1961-1978), including student and historical records; 5. Villa St. Joseph (1997-2018), consisting of historical records; note that no patient records are in the archives. Archival records of sisters’ missionary experiences include China (1926‐1948), Brazil (1967‐1994), Liberia (1979-1986), and Jamaica (1993-2002). Archival holdings consist of records; photographs and other audio-visual materials; and artifacts. Approximately 400 linear feet. The congregation also holds some records of the Ladies of Bethany. Finding aids available for part of the collection.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Bedford County, Butler County, Cambria County, Erie County, Fayette County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Somerset County, Washington County, Westmoreland County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Ethnic origins: Irish
  • Published histories:
  • Inclusion in:
    • Dolan, Jay P, R. Scott Appleby, Patricia Byrne, Debra Campbell. Transforming Parish Ministry: The Changing Roles of Catholic Clergy, Laity, and Women Religious. New York: Crossroad, 1989.
    • McGlone, Mary M. Anything of Which a Woman Is Capable: A History of the Sisters of St. Joseph in the United States Volume 1. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 2017.
    • McGlone, Mary M. Called Forth by the Dear Neighbor: A History of the Sisters of St. Joseph in the United States Volume 2. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 2021.
  • Digital Resources:

Updated April 1, 2025

Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania

5031 West Ridge Road
Erie, PA 16506

Contact:
Sister Marie Timmons
814-836-4211
s.mtimmons@ssjerie.org

  • Holdings: The archives contains the records of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Clarion County, Clearfield County, Crawford County, Elk County, Erie County, Jefferson County, McKean County, Mercer County, Potter County, Warren County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1800s to present
  • Ethnic origins: French
  • Published histories:
    • Shankey, Leonie, SSJ and Mary Francis Becker, SSJ. Come to the Waters: 50 Years of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Erie, Pennsylvania. Dispatch Printing, 2010.

Updated April 24, 2024

Third Order Regular of Saint Francis of Penance: Immaculate Conception Province

768 Monastery Road
Hollidaysburg, PA 16668

Contact:
Zach Doll
814-695-3802

  • Holdings: The Immaculate Conception Province Archives houses materials relevant to the Province and its institutions.
  • Western Pennsylvania localities represented in collection: Blair County, Cambria County
  • Time periods represented in collection: 1900s to present
  • Ethnic origins: Italian

Updated 2/17/2025