From the Archives:
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Ava Doogue, CSJ Archivist

Ava Doogue, CSJ Archivist, third from left

History came alive at the State Library of Massachusetts on July 8, 2026! The Boston CSJ Archives proudly gathered alongside the Boston Public Library, the Massachusetts Historical Society, the JFK Library, the City of Boston Archives, and others to showcase rare artifacts, documents, and records celebrating democracy, independence, and freedom.

The Boston CSJ Archives displayed heartwarming letters from prominent local leaders — like Mayor Menino and Congressman John Joseph Moakley — as well as U.S. presidents Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush. These letters expressed deep gratitude to the Sisters, who spent decades selflessly and joyfully teaching generations of Boston youth.

One fascinating highlight of the CSJ display was the story of Sister Esther Brady. Back in 1916, as a young elementary student, Sister Esther planted a tree sapling alongside Calvin Coolidge (who was then the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, and later 30th President). On that very day, Coolidge dedicated the forest to all Walpole students. Fast forward nearly 75 years: the Walpole Forest Commission invited Sister Esther back to celebrate the preservation of that very forest.

Visitors loved seeing the vast variety of historical preservation materials and were deeply inspired by the energy, joy, and dedication of all the presenting archivists!

The poster from the event.