Archives – Special Collection – Digitization Project

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Maria College in 2008, a special collection of historical titles has been compiled and reclassified.  The purpose of this special collection is to support research, learning and teaching by collecting, cataloging and preserving unique titles of interest to Maria College, the Sisters of Mercy and the broader academic community.

These titles are classified as “Special Collection” because of their research potential, uniqueness, rarity, early printing, limited availability, autographed editions and/or physical fragility.  These books, both fiction and nonfiction, may vary considerably, with a concentration on, but not limited to, early American History and Catholicism.  Also included is a small collection of children’s books.  The collection came from sources such as the college, local convents, schools and churches.

Rare and unusual titles include Ordo Baptizandi Aliaque Sacramenta Administrandi, a priest’s missal for the sacrament of baptism in Latin, copyright 1686 and published in London by Hen. Hills.  Also included is The Key of Heaven, compiled by Reverend J. F. Lang, an exquisite little brass and purple velvet bound collection of prayers for priests, in superb condition, copyright 1885 by Greil, Wildermann and Company, New York.  The cover has a striking cross made of mother of pearl and brass.

In February 2009, Sister Eleanor Little, Archivist of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Northeast Community, donated 18 archival boxes of black and white photographs, documents, correspondence, publications and newspaper articles pertaining to the history of Maria College.  Sister Rose Hobbs, Library Director, recently received approval from the Capital District Library Council (CDLC) for the Maria College Library to participate in a statewide digitization project funded by a grant and coordinated by CDLC.  The New York 3Rs Association’s digital heritage website, www.newyorkheritage.org, connects more than 160 digital collections.  Images for the site are contributed by libraries, archives, museums and other cultural institutions.  Maria’s library staff members are thrilled to have the opportunity to add historical photographs and documents to this important website for New York state history.  CDLC’s digitization project may be viewed at http://contentdm.cdlc.org./.