Last week, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Community Historical Gallery, located on the fifth floor of the Motherhouse, invited guests to see its extensive archival collection.
The Historical Gallery features more than 1,500 items, some of which are over 200 years old. These include tools and other items that the Poor Handmaids have used in their hospitals and schools over the years. The collection features objects that the Poor Handmaids would use in their day-to-day lives, such as irons, sewing machines, dishes, and furniture. Beautiful works of art from all over the world that were gifted to the Sisters over the years are on display as well.
Over the course of the week, Sisters, Maria Center residents, coworkers, and first-year Marian University Plymouth students stopped by the Historical Gallery to look over the collection. The Sisters enthusiastically explained to the students what some of the objects in the Historical Gallery worked and how they were operated. It was an excellent opportunity to share the Poor Handmaids’ rich history with a new generation!