School and Parish Records

The SSND taught at three types of schools: parish schools, diocesan schools, and SSND-owned schools.

Parish and Diocesan Schools

Parish Schools are owned and operated by the parish to which they are affiliated. Diocesan schools are owned and operated by the diocese in which they are located. When Sisters left these schools, the records remained with the school, parish, or diocese.

The North American Archives does not have the following for parish or diocesan schools:

• Student records
• Registers of students
• Class photos
• Yearbooks

The North American Archives does have small collections of records related to each school, which might include:

• Chronicles – a diary of important events that happened at the school or convent (please note these are general diaries and rarely mention individual children)
• Photos – there may be a limited number of photos for some of the schools.
• School histories

If you are looking for information about a parish school, please contact the parish or diocese for more information.

The NAA does not have parish records, including sacramental records or parish histories.

 SSND-Owned Schools

The North American Archives has records for schools that were owned and operated by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The records for these schools vary, but might include:

• School newspapers
• Yearbooks
• Student registers – lists of students (see Student Records for more information)
• School catalogs (can include lists of students, information about classes and the school)
• Chronicles – a diary of important events that happened at the school or convent (please note these are general diaries and rarely mention individual children)
• Photos – general photos from the school, many of which are not identified. The Archives does not have class photos for any of our schools.

Mount Mary University

The Mount Mary University Archives has officially been transferred to the NAA, which is also located on the Mount Mary Campus.

Collection Highlights:

• Academic bulletins and student handbooks
• Alumnae publications and directories
• Faculty and other governance committee meeting minutes
• Permanent records from the university’s academic departments and administrative offices
• Photographs, slides, audiotapes, videotapes, and film of university activities
• Student and club scrapbooks
• Student publications such as yearbooks (available digitally), newspapers, and literary magazines

Haggerty Library will continue to maintain the Digital Collections and digital yearbook sites.

Student Records / Transcripts

When a school closes, local laws dictate where student records and transcripts are sent. Please see the list below for information on where student records and transcripts can be found.