Archivists for Congregations of Women Religious ACWR

06/19/2026

Today, we honor Juneteenth—a day of recognition, restoration, and celebration.

As archivists, we must reckon with our positions as caregivers of materials that uphold white supremacy, racism, and other causes of systemic injustice. Today and always, we strive to elevate, preserve, and celebrate materials that give voice to those historically silenced.

06/18/2026

Our summer of celebrities continues! Sister Janice Dwyer met the one, the only, Michael Jordan during her time at Marillac Social Center, which, along with St. Vincent de Paul Center, is now Marillac St. Vincent Family Services.

Many inspirational and motivational speakers came to talk to the kids and young teens at the centers through the years; demonstrating by example that success is possible by having strong values and ethics, being disciplined, and working hard.
For many years, Sister Janice served as Director of the Child Abuse Program at Marillac Social Center in Chicago and received several awards in recognition for her service and advocacy on behalf of abused children. Sister Janice passed away in 2006.

This photo is from after Michael’s rookie season in 1985.

Shared with permission from Scott Keefer, C.A., Provincial Archivist, Daughters of Charity

06/17/2026

The answer to this week’s website scavenger hunt is… on our Member Resources page! You’ve probably seen all of the free resources that are available on the website, but did you know there are a ton more resources just for members? Log into your member account and take a look!

Need help with the new site? Reach out to us at the National Office. We’re here for you.

06/16/2026

There’s so many things to love about our new website, including this latest item on our virtual scavenger hunt! Head to archivistsacwr.org to see if you can find it! Comment below; the first correct answer wins! We’ll reveal the location on Wednesday!

06/15/2026

Last week, The Congregation of St. Joseph Archives in Cleveland, Ohio, celebrated International Archives Week with a visit from sisters! The archivists prepared a selection of materials for the sisters to enjoy, and in return the sisters assisted in identifying photographs. Special thanks to the CLT and Toni Ponder, COO of COSJ, for the beautiful roses to honor of the CSJ Archives team.

Shared with permission from Jessica Novotny, Assistant Director, CSJ Archives, Congregation of St. Joseph

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

You found her! Sarah’s photo is on our new virtual Member Directory. It’s a great way to connect and collaborate with our fellow ACWR friends. Check it out—just make sure you’re logged into the Members’ page, first!

Have you logged into your member account yet? Check your emails for instructions. If you’re having any issues, reach out to us at the National Office for help.

06/12/2026

It’s the summer of celebrities! ☀️ Women religious have had some interesting brushes with fame, and we’ll be sharing those stories all season long—starting with Bob Hope and the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia!

In 1982, Bob Hope performed a charity benefit at Hersheypark Arena, and the proceeds went to the Mental Health Center at St. Joseph Hospital. Hope is pictured here, meeting with some of the Sisters from the hospital.

A New Era newspaper article covered the event, noting: “Hope even had time to chat with a few of the hospital’s officials Friday. When he flew into Lancaster in the morning, he was met by Sister Joan Dreisbach, hospital president… At the performance, Hope even used the meeting as fodder for a joke: ‘Sister Joan came out to meet me—and we were still at 5,000 feet.’”

Shared with permission from Sr. Helen Jacobson, OSF, Archivist, Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia

06/09/2026

We’re back with another round of our website scavenger hunt! Can you find the webpage where our president is hiding? The answer will be shared on Friday!

Comment below with the link to the webpage! The first person to find it will get an extra raffle entry for a chance to win a $200 archival supplies gift card!

06/08/2026

Don’t forget about this week’s webinar, Let’s Talk Books! Join us for a relaxed, book-lover conversation—no assigned reading required! If you have a favorite archive-related book, a Sister-written work, or any nonfiction title connected to your community, we’d love to hear about it.

Check your email or the Listserv for the link! Please note this is a nonfiction-based discussion meant to be fun and light!