Loretto Heritage Center Preserves, Spreads Loretto Story Far and Wide

Located on the grounds of the Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, Ky., the Loretto Heritage Center houses documents and artifacts from the 200-plus year history of the Sisters of Loretto and Loretto Community. Although the Sisters were founded in rural central Kentucky, their story reaches far beyond. As early as the 1820s, Loretto was branching out into surrounding states. By 1852, they had reached the New Mexico territory, 50 years before it became a U.S. state. The Heritage Center collections document the work of Sisters and Co-members from all Loretto locations.

To highlight the breadth of artifacts, photographs and stories the Heritage Center preserves for every Loretto location, this week we are focusing on our collections from New Mexico. Join us on Loretto’s Facebook page as we explore items from Loretto’s 170 years in the American Southwest.

The curriculum of the schools changed as new technologies emerged and new skills were needed. Pictured here is Sister Vestina’s typing class in 1919 at Loretto Academy, Santa Fe, N.M.

Sisters were responsible for maintaining the convents associated with each school. This included caring for gardens and livestock. In these photos, Sr. F. Aloyse is seen working with livestock in Mora, N.M..

The Academies took boarding students as well as day students, allowing for flexibility for local families. This postcard from the Las Cruces Lorettines to the Mother General reports the enrollment numbers at the beginning of the 1908 school year. “My dear Mother, Just a card to tell you that our enrollment today is 78 boarders and 52 day pupils. All well and busy, hope you’ve arrived safe. Love to you and all at dear Loretto, Sister Eulalia.”

Are you interested in learning more? Check out our blog LOREtto, our digital object catalog, and our digital photograph portal. Have a question? Connect with our archivist through the form below.