Guide to the Sister Mary James O'Hare papers, 1947-1968


Salve Regina University Archives
McKillop Library
100 Ochre Point Ave.
Newport, RI 02891
Tel: 401-341-2276
Fax: 401-341-2951
email: archives@salve.edu

Published in 2019

Collection Overview

Title: Papers of the Academic Dean, Sister Mary James O'Hare
Date range: 1947-1968
Creator: O'Hare, Mary James, Sister, RSM
Extent: .08 Linear Feet
9 folders
Abstract: The records of the Academic Dean, Sister Mary James O'Hare consist of correspondence, dedications, and tributes to Sister Mary James O'Hare, the first Academic Dean of Salve Regina University.
Language of materials: English
Repository: Salve Regina University Archives
Collection number: RG6.1.1

Scope & content

The records of the Academic Dean, Sister Mary James O'Hare document the leadership activities and work of Sister Mary James O'Hare as an educator and the first Academic Dean for Salve Regina University. Such activities as the development of the University's academic curriculum in conjunction with the Catholic University of America and the process for approval of foreign students were greatly represented within the body of records. In addition, there are dedications and tributes; most notably, the dedication of O'Hare Academic Center in memory of Sister Mary James O'Hare. Formats of the records include: correspondence, clippings, a single photograph, a single musical composition, and pamphlets.

Access Points

Subject Topics Document Types Subject Topics

Arrangement

Records are arranged alphabetically; and in some cases, refined to reflect alphabetical order.

Biographical / Historical

Sister Mary James O'Hare, R.S.M. was born on October 30, 1888 in Lincoln, RI. She attended St. Xavier Academy and later received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Providence College and a Master of Arts and PhD from Boston College. Between 1907-1909, O'Hare entered the Sisters of Mercy, devoting her life to the religious order and serving as an educator within various educational institutions; most notably as the principal of St. Charles Junior High School in Woonsocket, RI from 1926-1932 and later for St. Xavier Academy from 1936-1947. In 1947, O'Hare became the first Academic Dean of Salve Regina University where she greatly advanced the development of a robust curriculum for the academic community. Such initiatives as the creation of the Division of Nursing, the emergence of Salve Regina College Alumnae Association and the Salve Regina College Guild were greatly due to the strong leadership and dedicated spirit of Sister Mary James O'Hare. O'Hare died on December 4, 1953, leaving behind a strong legacy of professional achievements and a solid educational framework for the University.

Access & Use

Access to the collection: The records are open to the public.
Use of the materials: Various copying restrictions apply, according to the Archives' use policy. Salve Regina University owns the copyright to material produced by employees and trustees of the University and work for hire. Requests for permission to publish material from the University Archives should be directed to the Archivist. See also the Archives' copyright and publication statement.
Preferred citation: [Identification of item], in RG6.1.1: Sister Mary James O'Hare papers, [Box 1, Folder #], Salve Regina University Archives, McKillop Library, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI
Contact information: Salve Regina University Archives
McKillop Library
100 Ochre Point Ave.
Newport, RI 02891
Tel: 401-341-2276
Fax: 401-341-2951
email: archives@salve.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION  
Acquisition: Records were transferred to the Archives sometime prior to 2014.
Processing information: Processed by Michaela Sheerar, Volunteer. Arrangement of file folders was refined on the basis of alphabetical order.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID  
Author: Michaela Sheerar, Volunteer
Encoding: This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace and encoded by Michaela Sheerar, Volunteer, on 2019 February 21.
Descriptive rules: Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Additional Information

Inventory

Box 1, Folder 1 Clippings
Contents Note: File includes newspaper clippings pertaining to the appointment of Sister Mary James O' Hare as Academic Dean of Salve Regina University, obituaries, tributes, and dedications related to Sister Mary James O'Hare.

 1947-1953
Box 1, Folder 2 Correspondence -- Catholic University
Contents Note: File largely consists of correspondence between Roy J. Deferrari, Secretary General of the Catholic University of America to Sister Mary James O'Hare. Such topics include but are not limited to the development of course curriculum's pertaining to concentrations, the need for approval by the New England Association, and the affiliation between Salve Regina University and the Catholic University of America.

 1948-1952
Box 1, Folder 3 Correspondence -- Diocese of Providence
Contents Note: File consists of various letters of correspondence between Sister Mary James O'Hare, Bishop Frances Keough, Bishop Russell McVinney, and Vice Chancellor Reverend Louis W. Dunn. Such topics include the following: Our Lady's Sodality, Enthronement of the Sacred Heart, approval of Forty Hours Devotion.

 1947-1953
Box 1, Folder 4 Correspondence -- Foreign Students
Contents Note: File largely contains correspondence pertaining to the process of approval for foreign students to study at Salve Regina University. Also included is a petition of approval of school for immigrant students. There is considerable information regarding the process for sponsoring foreign students from China.

 1948-1952
Box 1, Folder 5 Correspondence -- General
Contents Note: File contains miscellaneous correspondence; most notably, there are meeting minutes from the American Red Cross Executive Committee that note the need for a Social Welfare Aide course for Salve students to become accredited Red Cross Social Welfare Aids.

 1948-1957
Box 1, Folder 6 Dedications and Tributes
Contents Note: File consists of dedications and tributes to Sister Mary James O'Hare in the form of a single typed tribute written by Gertrude A. Miley and a musical composition written by Marilyn S. Mattox.

 1952, undated
Box 1, Folder 7 Dedication of O'Hare Academic Center
Contents Note: File consists of a typed tribute in memory of Sister Mary James O'Hare and two pamphlets pertaining to the Dedication of O'Hare Academic Center at Salve Regina University.

 1968
Box 1, Folder 8 Photographs
Contents Note: File contains a single photograph of Sister Mary James O'Hare in her office at Ochre Court dated November 1947 and taken by Sister Mary Albina Campbell.

 1947
Box 1, Folder 9 Speeches
Contents Note: File consists of two typed speeches. One speech pertains to the graduating Class of 1954 and the other by Sister Mary Mercedes entitled, "Paper Read At St. Mary's, Pawtucket February 25, 1956."

 1954,1956