Guide to the Santa Maria Institute Collection

History of the Santa Maria Institute

For 75 years, the Sister of Charity sponsored Santa Maria Community Services. During this time 13 Sisters served as Directors; the center of operation was relocated at least four times; and the institution was known by four distinct titles. In 1897, Archbishop William Elder called upon the Congregation to assist him in helping the newly arrived Italian immigrants to adjust to their new country. Two Italian-born Sisters of Charity, Sisters Blandina and Justina Segale, accepted the challenge and established an organization that accomplished the task and could be expanded to meet subsequent needs. Sisters Blandina and Justina served alternately for the first 32 years of Santa Maria's history. Not only did they begin programs of instruction and the works of a settlement house, they enlisted the help of lay volunteers and the Council of Social Agencies (later the Community Chest). Over the years, their organization was known as the Santa Maria Educational and Industrial Home; Santa Maria Institute; Santa Maria Neighborhood House (1966); and Santa Maria Community Services, Inc. (1972). Locations were many through the years. Several buildings were utilized until 1912 when 640 West Eighth Street became the center of operations. From 1916, and 50 years thereafter, Santa Maria was located at 13th and Republic. In 1966, central headquarters was on St. Michael Street in Lower Price Hill. The works kept pace with the times and the needs. When Italian immigrants no longer needed the help, the Directors easily met new needs among the Appalachians and the poor of Over-the-Rhine or Lower and East Price Hill. From time to time, outreach facilities were set up in store fronts more convenient to the people. The work continued, but in 1972, the Sisters of Charity gave up the sponsorship of Santa Maria. The last Sister of Charity who served as director was Sister Jane Ellen Shappelle who filled the position from 1973 to 1986.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of ten boxes containing, in part, annual reports, correspondence, publications, journals, and other historical information.

The Santa Maria Journals series contains original handwritten journals documenting many of the programs and day to day activities of the Santa Maria Institute and were primarily written by Sister Justina Segale, unless otherwise noted. Each journal has received an identification number, which is included in the record. The journals have also been transcribed and copies of the transcriptions are included in the collection in box 9.

When processing the collection, date ranges were provided for the entire folder. So, in many cases, the item level or "Piece" dates provided for the collection are estimates based on the folder's assigned date span.

Statement of Arrangement

Restrictions on Access and Use

Permission to use the collection can be obtained from the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Congregational Archivist. External researchers need to complete a request form stating the purpose of their research and a list of collections to be consulted upon their visit, which must be approved by the Archivist prior to an on-site visit. If a researcher is unable to visit the Archives in person, the Archivist will conduct a minimum amount of research and provide scanned copies of some materials if requested.

Intercom Articles (not in collection): "Santa Maria Milestones" (Dec. 1997) "Memories of Santa Maria" (Dec. 1997) "Letter to the Editor" (March/April 1998) "S. Sally Duffy Honored" (Winter 2010) "S. Pat Marie Bernard Honored" (Summer 2012) Photos -- 340 Slides -- 29 Box 46 - 47 in repository Can be viewed in notebook 32 Digital Collection: Powerpoint Presentation on the history of Santa Maria Community Services by Patmarie Bernard, SC DVDs Available: The History of Santa Maria, Dennis Jansen commentates slide presentation, 1998 Building Partnerships with the Local Community, Dennis Jansen Commentates, Interviews with neighborhood residents, 1998 Sr. Marie Agnese Bonano speaks about her experiences at Santa Maria CD Available: Presentation on Santa Maria Institute by Judith Metz, SC Artifacts: Journal-J-1 Santa Maria Journal. On display in the Blandina room. Book - The Santa Maria Institute by Anna C. Minogue, published in 1922. Two copies on display in the Blandina room and the McCann room. McCann room copy includes the inscription: "Sister Dominica my dear friend Love of God's poor by sacrifice. Affectionately, Sister Blandina Segale Sept, 27, 1939." Publication - "The Santa Maria", January 1930. On display in the Blandina room. Collar - 17" long Lace collar made by 10-year old child at Santa Maria's school program, 1939. Made by the artist Sister Ann Langemeier, SNDdeN at Santa Maria Institute. Sister Ann gave it to the Archives in 1996. On display in the Blandina room. Ornament - Flat glass bel-shaped ornament. Santa Maria Community Service 110th Anniversary. Stored in repository. Collections: Saint Lawrence School Collection Saint William Parish and School Collection San Antonio Parish Collection Seton High School Collection Material on this mission may also be included among our oral history and presentation transcription collections. Please consult with the Congregational Archivist if you would like to explore and possibly utilize these collections.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

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Preferred Citation

Santa Maria Institute Collection, Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Archives, Mount Saint Joseph, Ohio.

Detailed Description of The Collection