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Mercy Archives Mercy Archives of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas preserves, protects and promotes the story and heritage of the Sisters of Mercy.

Mercy Archives preserves and promotes the history of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. As a research and educational resource for the sisters, staff, ministries, and the general public, our records illustrate the vibrant and relevant impact of the Sisters of Mercy on the changing needs of the times, and inspire visitors to make personal commitments to similar values.

The following is a poem titled "Letters to Summer" from Sister Mary Lucina. We swam in the Chemung skipped meals sometim...
09/10/2026

The following is a poem titled "Letters to Summer" from Sister Mary Lucina.

We swam in the Chemung
skipped meals sometimes,
empty as inner tubes.
Losing track of time when Barney
dove from the bridge,
the sun was late going down.
On the d**e Mother waved
me in, arms fast clouds.
I waved a towel of sand and climbed to where she waited
as dusk was closing the flowers
of her apron and soaking up
the blood from my eyes.
My wrinkles smoothed out:
awaking, I was young.

II
I throw a stone to where we splashed
letters to summer.
The bridge we were warned about
never tires of Barney, if
that's who's in midair.
A train whistles and the sun
will be late.

Library Collection © Mercy Archives; Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

Please note Mercy Archives will be closed today, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day. This Labor Day, we celebrate...
09/07/2026

Please note Mercy Archives will be closed today, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day.

This Labor Day, we celebrate the dedication, teamwork, and service of those whose efforts help build stronger communities.

In this photograph, Mayor Richard J. Daley joins Mercy Hospital and Medical Center for a ceremony dedicating the hospital’s United States flag to the Apollo 11 crew. The occasion connected the extraordinary teamwork behind the moon landing with the dedication of those who made the hospital and its work possible.

From healthcare workers and administrators to musicians, military personnel, and countless others, this moment reminds us that great accomplishments are rarely achieved alone.

Hop In! Anyone down for a ? These sisters are! What are some of your favorite summer roadtrip memories? St Louis Region...
09/04/2026

Hop In! Anyone down for a ? These sisters are! What are some of your favorite summer roadtrip memories?

St Louis Regional Community Collection © Mercy Archives; Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

A little magic from the Mercy Archives! ✨👑In 1940, children in Guyana transformed their school into Fairyland for a whim...
09/01/2026

A little magic from the Mercy Archives! ✨👑

In 1940, children in Guyana transformed their school into Fairyland for a whimsical pageant filled with storybook characters—including a princess and the Seven Dwarfs. 🏰🍎

This delightful photograph captures the imagination, creativity, and joy of a special school-day celebration more than 80 years ago.

Dallas Regional Community Collection © Mercy Archives; Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

August is National Family History Month! This is a time to celebrate the people, stories, and connections that make up o...
08/28/2026

August is National Family History Month! This is a time to celebrate the people, stories, and connections that make up our shared past.

In the collections at Mercy Archives, we recently uncovered the story of two biological sisters from Bangor, Maine: Mary Delphina Kenney and Elizabeth Margaret Kenney. Both followed a shared path into religious life, becoming Sisters of Mercy—Sister Mary Delphine Anthony and Sister Mary Valeria.

Stories like theirs remind us that behind every photograph and document is a person, a family, and often a connection waiting to be discovered.

This National Family History Month, take a closer look at the stories preserved in archives. You never know what connection you might uncover. 💙

📸 Mary Delphina Kenney (1904–1979) and Elizabeth Margaret Kenney (1906–1937), Portland Regional Community Collection, Mercy Archives

Portland Regional Community Collection, © Mercy Archives; Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

Happy National Dog Day! 🐶🐾💙Sometimes, the best company comes on four legs. This playful pup appears to be enjoying a spe...
08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐶🐾💙

Sometimes, the best company comes on four legs. This playful pup appears to be enjoying a special moment with a Sister at Mercy Hospital in Grayling, Michigan, in August 1959.

A reminder that the joy and companionship of our four-legged friends is truly timeless. 🐾

Detroit Community Collection © Mercy Archives; Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

Photographed is Sister Susan Frazer with a group of students in Jamaica.As we close our week celebrating the opening of ...
08/21/2026

Photographed is Sister Susan Frazer with a group of students in Jamaica.

As we close our week celebrating the opening of the Alpha Mercy Historical Center, we remember Sister Susan Frazer, RSM, whose life became deeply intertwined with the communities, ministries, and young people of Jamaica.

After joining the Sisters of Mercy in 1966, Sister Susan came to Jamaica in 1971 and spent decades serving at Alpha Girls' School, Alpha Boys' School, and St. John Bosco Boys' Home. Through her leadership, compassion, humor, and steadfast commitment to young people, she helped create opportunities and foster hope for generations.

Sister Susan passed away earlier this month, but her impact lives on in the lives she touched and the communities she served.

Her story, along with the stories of many Sisters and Jamaican communities connected to Mercy, is preserved in the Jamaica Collection at Mercy Archives.
As we reflect on the history of Mercy in Jamaica, we are reminded that history is more than records and dates. It is found in people's lives, relationships, experiences, and contributions. Mercy Archives is honored to help preserve and share these stories for future generations.

May Sister Susan's memory continue to inspire all who carry forward her spirit of service, compassion, and hope.

Photographed below is graduates from Mount St. Joseph Academy, with Sister Cecillia and Sister Paschel For more than 130...
08/20/2026

Photographed below is graduates from Mount St. Joseph Academy, with Sister Cecillia and Sister Paschel

For more than 130 years, education has been at the heart of the Sisters of Mercy's presence in Jamaica.

What began at Alpha grew into schools and educational ministries throughout the island. The Sisters taught children in Kingston and communities across Jamaica, providing not only academic education, but also practical skills, spiritual formation, and opportunities for a different future.

At Alpha, students learned everything from gardening, agriculture, and domestic skills to music, business, printing, tailoring, woodworking, and other trades.

The Sisters' educational ministry eventually reached communities across Jamaica. Schools were established or served in places including Kingston, Spanish Town, Falmouth, Gordon Town, Port Antonio, Seaford Town, Mandeville, Savannah-la-Mar, Ocho Rios, St. Ann's Bay, and Black River.

The goal was never simply to fill a classroom.

The Sisters sought to nourish children in body, mind, and spirit, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, confidence, and opportunities to shape their own futures.

Today, the legacy continues through Mercy educational programs across Jamaica, including the schools and programs at Alpha and the St. John Bosco campus.

What Mercy school did you attend? How did it change your life?

Photographed below is the Alpha Boys BandWhen you think about the history of the Sisters of Mercy in Jamaica, you might ...
08/19/2026

Photographed below is the Alpha Boys Band
When you think about the history of the Sisters of Mercy in Jamaica, you might think of schools, children, or service.
But you should also think of music.
In 1891, just one year after the Sisters arrived at Alpha, Sister Mary de Chantal Higgins obtained drums and fifes from England and taught the Alpha boys to play by ear.
That small beginning grew into something extraordinary.
Over the decades, music became an important part of Alpha's identity and a powerful avenue of opportunity for Jamaican youth. The Alpha Boys Band developed a remarkable legacy, and Alpha became connected to the musical culture for which Jamaica is known around the world.
One of the people who helped nurture that legacy was Sister Mary Ignatius Davies, who spent 52 years with the Alpha boys. She cared for their health and well-being, encouraged their talents, and was a devoted supporter of the Boys Band.
Her influence was so profound that she became affectionately known as the “Mother Teresa of Reggae.”
Stories like these live within the collections of Mercy Archives. By keeping the history alive and preserving the living legacy that the Sisters of Mercy in Jamaica have, we can share the memories and influences of the young lives who were shaped by Mercy. Mercy Archives is available to those who are interested in learning more about the Alpha School of Music of any other ministry in Jamaica.
Today, the Alpha School of Music carries this musical tradition forward, continuing to provide young people with opportunities to develop their talents.
Music is more than a footnote in Jamaica's Mercy history. It is part of the living legacy.

Photographed above is the location of the new Alpha Mercy Historical Center in Jamaica.For more than 130 years, the stor...
08/18/2026

Photographed above is the location of the new Alpha Mercy Historical Center in Jamaica.

For more than 130 years, the story of Mercy in Jamaica has been shaped by the people who lived it—a story of education and opportunity, music and creativity, faith and service, and responding with compassion to the needs of each generation.

Today, we celebrate a new chapter in that story with the opening of the Jamaica Historical Center: a place to preserve memories, honor those who shaped Mercy in Jamaica, and share these stories with generations to come.

The Jamaica story, however, can be explored far beyond the walls of the new Center. Mercy Archives is proud to preserve a rich collection of materials documenting the history of the Sisters of Mercy in Jamaica. Our Jamaica Collection includes hundreds of photographs, countless documents, publications, correspondence, and other materials that help tell the story of Mercy’s presence and ministry in Jamaica.

Whether you are a Sister, associate, student, alumnus, researcher, family member, or simply curious to learn more, Mercy Archives is here to help you discover the stories preserved in these collections.

A special thank you to Sisters Susan Frazer, Paula Diann Marlin, and Peggy Verstege for their countless hours of dedication to this exhibit.

Here’s to the past we remember, the legacy we carry, and the stories we continue to preserve and share together.

Address

720 Heritage Center Drive
Belmont, NC
28012

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Friday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 3pm

Telephone

+17047552088

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