Historic Church of St. Patrick Archival Collection @ Library
(May 2, 2011) – The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library’s welcomes you to visit The Blade Rare Book Room at Main Library, 325 Michigan St., for an exhibit providing an intimate look inside one of your library’s treasures: the Historic Church of St. Patrick archival collection. The exhibit is on display the entire month of May, which is designated National Preservation Month with the theme Celebrating America’s Treasures.
This special month serves to highlight in part the importance of preservation for archival research. The National Trust for Historic Preservation created Preservation Week in 1971 to spotlight preservation efforts in America. In 2005, the National Trust extended the celebration for the entire month of May and declared it Preservation Month. The annual celebration is now observed across the nation with events, historic tours, educational programs, and historic library exhibits like the one on view now at Main Library.
Michael W. Lora, the Library’s Special Collections Coordinator, said the community is fortunate to have the expertise of two long-time employees on staff who are responsible for the contents of the Historic Church of St. Patrick archival collection: Donna Christian, Archivist, and Irene Martin, Preservation Officer.
When you stop by Main Library to view this historic exhibit, here’s a sample of the treasures Christian and Martin have helped to curate:
· A register produced circa 1900-1901 which lists names of those persons invited to the church’s dedication
· A list of parishioners during 1901-1902, shortly after the new church was opened
· Subscription lists for a new church on the corner of Lafayette and 13th Streets between 1862 and 1877
· Receipts for donations from non-Catholics for the construction of the church. Among the donors were the Lamson Brothers and George Woolson and Sons, Toledo spice merchants
· Cemetery lot owners from 1865 through 1885
The Historic Church of Saint Patrick is one of Toledo's most important religious structures. Its history reaches as far back as the city's beginnings and its founder is still respected for his efforts to improve the community. Father Edward Hannin was 36 years old when he was assigned to organize a parish in Toledo's Irish Catholic population. It was a challenge, for in 1862 the city was busy constructing the Miami and Erie Canal. www.stpatshistoric.org
NOTE: For additional information visit toledolibrary.org, or call 419.259.5207.
Press Release Contact Name: Rhonda Sewell
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Toledo Lucas County Public Library