Later this year, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie will be celebrating the 170th anniversary of their 1856 arrival to Erie. 170 is rare - most organizations don't last this long. Even more impressive, these years in Erie are couched within a 1,500-year-old Benedictine monastic tradition. That is even more rare, and is cause for celebration.
In preparation for celebrating this momentous anniversary, Benedictine archivists Sister Janet Goetz and Sister Theresa Zoky toured the Hagen History Center, including the space the Benedictine Sisters will have a special exhibit in later this year.
“How do you encapsulate 170 years of history into a single room?” wondered Sister Janet.
Steven Mooradian, processing archivist for the History Center, led the tour of the Watson-Curtze Mansion and Wood-Morrison House. He will be working with the sisters on their exhibit. Joining them are Michelle Basista, Development Associate for the Benedictine Sisters and Kathleen Pae, Benedictine Oblate and archival volunteer for the Hagen History Center.
“We’re looking forward to this opportunity to educate people about who the Benedictine Sisters of Erie are,” said Sister Theresa.
The temporary exhibit is expected to open in September of 2026.
