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.

August 12, 2025, Adrian, Michigan – Come to Weber Retreat and Conference Center on Wednesday afternoons once a month to enjoy lunch and feed your mind and spirit. The Lunch and Learn series continues this fall from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the following dates:

•    September 10, 2025, Saving our Land, Water, and Soil: Representatives of the Lenawee Conservation District share how they carry out their mission to sustain and enhance natural resources through education and technical service.

•    October 15, 2025, Amazing Historical Sites: Paul Plassman, author of Southern Michigan’s Castles, Churches, and Courthouses, will show us the amazing but often overlooked architectural gems in our midst.

•    November 12, 2025, Weber Center Shop Christmas Open House Preview: It isn’t too early to begin to shop for Christmas. Katherine Dusseau, Weber Center Shop Manager, shares what’s new and popular. The event includes door prizes, discounts, and unique fair trade items. 

•    December 10, 2025, Christmas Cookie Ideas: Bring a sample of your favorite Christmas cookies to share – as well as the recipe – and enjoy samples from other participants. 

Bring your lunch; drinks and dessert are provided. You can also purchase your lunch for $8 for your choice of egg salad, turkey and cheese, or chicken salad croissant sandwich with chips. To order a meal, register at least two days in advance. Registration is not needed if you bring your own lunch. 

Weber Center is on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse, Adrian, Michigan. On East Siena Heights Drive, turn into the driveway between Adrian Rea Literacy Center and the solar panel-covered carport. Follow the signs to Weber Center. For information, call the Weber Center at 517-266-4000.