What's Happening

September 23, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – In the presence of members of the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce, Sisters, Co-workers, and friends, the ribbon was cut marking the public opening of the new History and Archive Center on the Motherhouse campus.

During the September 21, 2026, event, visitors toured the new facility, which features an extensive history exhibit, archive, facilities for private historical research, and offices for Co-workers who manage the archive and exhibit. The building also includes an outdoor patio and kitchenette.

The name of the exhibit, “A Place of Pilgrimage,” is a reference to a quote by Mother Benedicta Bauer, OP, Prioress of the Dominican Holy Cross Convent in Ratisbon, Germany: “We go, we travel constantly, for our life is a journey and this world a place of pilgrimage.”

After cutting the ribbon, Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, welcomed guests to the History and Archive Center. “We really see this center as the place that tells the story of how we Dominicans came to Adrian,” in addition to the Congregation’s Mission and ministries, she said. The Adrian Dominican Sisters “carry this sacred place [Adrian] with us wherever we go. We hope you will find this as a pilgrimage for yourself, a place where you can connect to a parallel meaning in your own life.”

Melissa Tsuji, Director of the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce, thanked Adrian Dominican Sisters “for your rich history and the impact you have had on us.”

Construction of the 12,000-square-foot History and Archive Center began in early 2025. Even before construction began, however, many people were involved in the designing and planning of the building. Lisa Schell, Congregation Archivist and now Director of the History and Archive Center, worked with The Collaborative, an architectural firm based in Toledo, to design the building. She also made recommendations on the design of the archive itself. 

Adrian Dominican Co-workers Jennifer Hunter, Chief Operating Officer; Joel Henricks, Executive Director of Property Operations; and Sara Stoddard, Chief Financial Officer, worked closely with The Collaborative and with builders Krieghoff-Lenawee. 

In addition, Sisters, Associates, and Co-workers worked together to produce the content of the History and Archive Center that was brought to life by Hunt Design, of Pasadena, California.

The History and Archive Center is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month; and noon to 4:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. Those desiring a tour at other times may make an appointment at 517-266-3583 or [email protected].

Caption for above feature photo: Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, center left, and Lisa Schell, Director of the History and Archive Center, prepare to cut a ribbon marking the public opening of the space. With them, from left, are Melissa Tsuji, Director of the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce, and General Council members, Sisters Lorraine Réaume, OP, Corinne Sanders, OP, and Frances Nadolny, OP, and Chamber Ambassador Geraldine Boykin.