Hello all, I’d like to use this post to introduce myself. My name is Jessica Reeder, and I’m the new archivist for the Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle Archives. I’m truly delighted to be at Misericordia University. The Archives’ collections contain some fantastic pieces of University and local history, including photographs, scrapbooks, fliers, programs, papers, memorabilia (including the mascot head I’m holding,) and a host of other items. These materials provide historical documentation of the community’s cultural heritage, and I’m honored to be able to work with them: promoting access, use, and continued growth. Through outreach, cooperation, and the use of many folders, I hope to make the archives a place where people can find a piece of their history. If you’d like to donate items to the archives or find a piece of your own history don’t hesitate to contact me at archives@misericordia.edu or by phone at 570-674-6420.

General Federation of Women’s Clubs – Harveys Lake

General Federation of Women's Clubs - Harvey's Lake

The Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle Archives recently acquired a collection of scrapbooks, photo albums and other ephemera from the Harvey’s Lake branch of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.  The General Federation of Women’s Clubs, founded in 1890, is one of the world’s largest and oldest women’s nonpartisan, nondenominational volunteer service organizations.

The Harvey’s Lake branch was founded in March 1947 by Mrs. Joseph Rauch, who organized and presided over the first meeting.  The club became a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in September 1947.

In an effort to reflect the rich and diverse history of the Back Mountain community, the new collection will fall under the auspices of the Back Mountain Historical Association.  The collection consists of four photo albums and seventeen scrapbooks.   Photographs from the photo albums are online while the scrapbooks may be viewed at the Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle Archives.

Alumni Weekend 2009

Misericordia University’s Alumni Weekend was May 28-31, 2009.  The weekend was a success!  The weather cooperated and we had a beautiful day.  Many alum came by the archives to share their memories of the University.

Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle Archives on Flickr

Administration Building c. 1924

In an effort to make the pictures from the Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle Archives more accessible, the Archives is in the process of putting pictures on flickr.  Flickr is a photosharing site that allows visitors to tag photos, add comments and interact with the photographs in ways that would have been prohibitive a few years ago.  Many of the photographs are lacking information such as when and where they were taken or who is in the photograph, so we’re asking you (members of the Misericordia family) to help us identify the pictures by leaving comments. 

The photographs have been divided into three collection:

Misericordia University History – History of the University from its founding as an institution of higher learning for women in 1924 to its transition to a co-ed college in the 1970s to its present status as a liberal arts based University.  Material is collected from different departments within the University as well as from members of the Misericordia University family and consists of photographs, written material and fliers from different activities.

The Sisters of Mercy – History of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, the foundresses of the University.  Material is primarily gathered from Sisters who served in some capacity at the University and consists of scrapbooks and photographs.

The Center for Nursing History –  History of nursing in the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania area with plans to encompass all of Northeast Pennsylvania.  Material is donated by members of the nursing profession as well as local hospitals and nursing schools.  The collection consists of photographs, brochures, nursing uniforms and other memorabilia.

This project is made possible by the sincere dedication of the students and staff of the Mary Kintz Bevevino Library. 

If you have pictures or memorabilia you would like to donate to the Archives please contact Dani Vaughn-Tucker at 570.674.6420.

WBGAA – April 17, 2009

The Wilkes-Barre General Alumni Association held their reunion on Friday, April 17 at Misericordia University in the Banks Student Center.  The reunion honored the Class of 1959 who were celebrating their 40th anniversary.  The evening started with hugs, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and  guessing games as to who is who. 

While the celebrants dined and chatted, pictures flashed across a screen, refreshing memories and providing many of the ladies with a chuckle.  The pictures were provided by the Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle Archives.  The reunion was organized by Nancy Dwyer and other members of the Wilkes-Barre General Alumni Association.

To donate material to The Center for Nursing History or to the Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle Archives, please contact Dani Vaughn-Tucker at archives@misericordia.edu or 570.674.6420.

BMHA – April 15, 2009

On April 15, the Back Mountain Historical Association had it’s bi-annual meeting at the newly constructed Insalaco Hall on the Misericordia University campus.  The topic was “The Dances at Harveys Lake” with a special focus on Eddie “Day” Pashinski and the Star Fires.  The presentation was moderated by Charles Petrillo. 

The evening opened with a welcome from Dr. Michael A. MacDowell, President of Misericordia University, who talked about the newly completed Insalaco Hall as well as upcoming events at Misericordia University.  Dr.  MacDowell also asked attendees a little trivia question:  ”What is the oldest, continuously operating business in the Back Mountain?”  Hopefully, there will be an answer by the next BMHA meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13.  

Dr. MacDowell also introduced the new director of the Luzerne County Historical Society, Tony Brooks.  Mr. Brooks discussed his plans for a county wide meeting of historians, archivists and genealogists.

Misericordia Archivist, Dani Vaughn-Tucker, briefly talked about the acquiring of the Center for Nursing History Collection by the Mary Kintz Bevevino Library and future plans for the collection. 

Dani introduced former Misericordia University archivist and the current archivist for Indiana University of Pennsylvania,  Harrison Wick, who discussed his book, Pennsylvania’s Back Mountain.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2009.  The topic will be “Summer Houses in the Back Mountain.”  For further information, contact Dani Vaughn-Tucker at 570.674.6420.

Welcome

The purpose of this blog is to introduce members of the community to the Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle Archives at Misericordia University and to highlight the different collections in the archives as well as inform patrons about Back Mountain Historical Association events.  

Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle Archives Collections

The  Archives maintains one main collection, Misericordia University History, and three special collections:  The Sisters of Mercy, Back Mountain Community (under the auspices of the Back Mountain Historical Association) and The Center for Nursing History.

Misericordia University History

History of the University from its inception as an institution of higher learning for women in 1924 to its transition to a co-ed college in the 1970s to its present status as a liberal arts based University.  Material is collected from different departments within the University and consists of photographs, written material, fliers from different institutional activities as well as contracts from the founding of the University.  Portions of the collection are on display throughout the library. 

The Sisters of Mercy

History of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, the founders of the University.  Material is primarily gathered from sisters who served in some capacity at the University and consists of scrapbooks, photographs, books and other documents.  Pictures may be viewed on the third floor of the library.

Back Mountain Community

History of the Back Mountain community and its surrounds.  Material is donated by members of the community who are actively engaged in the preservation of the local history and consists of photographs and postcards.  The pictures may be viewed at the Back Mountain Historical Association website .

The Center for Nursing History

History of nursing in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Material is donated by members of the nursing profession as well as local hospitals and nursing schools.  The collection consists of photographs, brochures, nursing uniforms as well as text books and other memorabilia.  Part of the collection is on display in the second floor study room in the library. 

If you would like to donate material to the University archives, please contact Dani Vaughn-Tucker at archives@misericordia.edu or 570.674.6420.