October is American Archives Month, so we’re taking the opportunity to highlight the work of our archivists at the Carondelet Consolidated Archives. Our archivists help us preserve and share the history, spirit and memory of our congregation.
Who are our archivists?
Catherine Lucy is the director of the Carondelet Consolidated Archives and an associate of the St. Louis Province. She has 25+ years of experience working in libraries and archives and has worked with our congregation since August 2018. Catherine holds a bachelor’s in English from Webster University and a Master of Library and Information Sciences from San Jose State University.
Sally Budge is the assistant archivist at the Carondelet Consolidated Archives. Inspired by volunteering at her children’s school libraries, she completed her master’s degree in library and information science in December 2021. Sally joined our archives in August 2022.
What is an archivist?
An archivist is a professionally trained individual who is responsible for collecting, preserving and providing access to records of enduring value. These records include paper documents, electronic communications, objects, photos, videos and other media.
Why is the work of an archivist important?
“Our work is important because we safeguard valuable historical items, so that they may be used by researchers now and in the future,” Catherine Lucy explained. “The materials we manage provide insight into past events, ministries and individual lives. Without archives, the public would not be able to locate specific items of interest and documents could be lost or damaged, making them permanently unavailable.”
In addition to the sisters in the congregation, our archivists serve many other groups, including scholars and family historians.
What is something you wished more people knew about archives?
If there’s one thing archivist Sally Budge wishes more people knew about archives, it’s that they don’t just work with papers and files. Sally said, “We have various forms of media and artifacts from all over the world. We have all kinds of artifacts, from the smallest ring to an approximately 25 lb. brick.”
Even though materials in the archives vary, Sally explained that they all come together to tell a story. “When you’re trying to piece together and tell a story, you use all of these things. It’s cool to tell a story that’s bigger than just what you find on paper.”
What do you think is an unusual artifact in the archives?
With so many different artifacts to choose from, this question was a little difficult for Sally Budge to answer. In the end, she selected a butterfly pin made out of horsehair. Made by a Chilean family and given to one of our sisters, the wings and body of the butterfly were constructed out of dyed horsehair, which is called crin (creen).
What is the best part of your job?
Catherine Lucy has two favorite things about her job. “I love working with the sisters. It’s like a family here; they are all so kind and welcoming. I couldn’t ask for better people to work with.” Her second favorite thing about working in the Carondelet Consolidated Archives is that she gets to do a little bit of everything. Catherine said, “I’m the director of the archives, but I also get to process materials coming in, answer reference requests, preserve historic items, write social media posts and give tours to visitors. We get to do a little bit of everything here.”
Sally Budge’s favorite part of her job is being able to piece together history. “In the archives, we have all these pieces of history and sometimes a story needs to be told. I get to piece that together and tell the story.”