Women Religious Archives Collaborative

Building a Home for the History of Catholic Sisters

The mission of the Women Religious Archives Collaborative (WRAC) is to preserve the history of women religious in the United States. WRAC is accomplishing this mission by building a heritage center in Cleveland, which will serve as a permanent home for the archives of more than 75 congregations from across the United States and Canada. 

Set to open in 2027, the dream of establishing a permanent heritage center in Cleveland is becoming a reality! The center will be an education and research destination sharing the stories of Catholic sisters whose ministries shaped the Church and society in countless ways. 

As we move closer to welcoming our first collections and visitors, we invite you to consider an end-of-year gift to help us cross the finish line of the campaign and ensure that the rich heritage of women religious will continue to inspire generations to come!

Contributions through the 2025 #WeGiveCatholic Giving Day will support the capital campaign, helping bring to life the stories of how Catholic Sisters have impacted American, Church, and women's history over centuries through their committed faith and service.

Thanks to a generous donor, all gifts up to $2,500 will be matched! Double your impact today!

Help us cross the finish line! Opening in 2027!

WRAC broke ground on the heritage center in July on E. 22nd St. in Cleveland's Central Neighborhood, where sisters have served for over 150 years. Benefits of the 30,000 square-foot center include:

• A strategic location close to many colleges, universities, museums, and libraries
• Spaces for research, dynamic public programming, exhibitions, and meetings
• A temperature-controlled and professionally managed vault to store collections   
• Equipment and space for processing, conserving and digitizing archival materials

44 collections from across the U.S. and Canada are committed to WRAC. These records hold the stories of the women who built and staffed schools, hospitals, churches, and social service agencies, and were leaders and innovators in our communities. Access to these stories through research, exhibits, and programming at WRAC’s Heritage Center will inform and inspire future generations.

To learn more about WRAC visit archivescollaborative.org.