Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America January 10, 2011

Since first arriving in America nearly 300 years ago, sisters built schools, colleges, hospitals, orphanages, homeless shelters and many other enduring social institutions.As they came to this country to assist fellow immigrants, Catholic sisters played a vital role in extending social services, educational opportunities, and health care to people from many walks of life. 'Women & Spirit' also tells a story of women's contributions to educational and healthcare institutions, when there was as yet no public venue for women to be heard. In this modular exhibit, rare artifacts, media presentations and photographs from more than 400 communities have been brought together for the first time.Evocative artifacts, powerfully staged and interpretive exhibits, compelling first-person accounts, and an engaging storyline invite visitors into a world few have seen, but millions have shared.