New Acquisitions in Archives Highlight Upcoming Anniversary

Recent Acquisitions Representing the History of Seton Hall University and the Archdiocese of Newark on Display Now at the Msgr. William Noé Field Archives and Special Collections Center

The Msgr. William Noé Field Archives and Special Collections Center is proud to formally present our current exhibit which features newly acquired objects, texts and photographs comprising a small part of the ever-expanding material legacy of Seton Hall University and Archdiocese of Newark which will aid our research community for years to come. With the Sesquicentennial of Seton Hall University approaching in 2006, this assortment of artifacts will also provide a unique visual perspective on various aspects of school development from both an educational and a spiritual dimension.

Some of the most interesting additions to the Archdiocese of Newark Collection include the Pallium (a woolen religious vestment bestowed on members of the hierarchy by the Pontiff) and presentation box which belonged to Archbishop Peter Gerety (1974-1986); a Pectoral Cross which once belonged to Archbishop Thomas Boland (1951-1974); and an Annual Dues booklet from Sacred Heart parish in Irvington which is written in Polish. This particular type of ledger was a tradition in the Polish Roman Catholic Church signifying their commitment to the faith, and this particular example came from the family of Rev. James Spera, Director of Campus Ministry at Seton Hall University. Other additions include an intricately inlaid and personalized edition of the Holy Bible and a copy of The Manual of Catholic Piety compiled by William Gahan, and published in Dublin (both 1800’s). This text is accompanied by a Mass Card from the ordination of Rev. John J. Neafsey who graduated from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception at Seton Hall College in 1902.

Recent noteworthy additions to the Seton Hall University Collection include a brass representation of the original School Seal adopted by the College in 1861. The school seal has since been changed, which adds to the historical value of this particular piece. In addition, a cabinet card photograph of Msgr. Robert Seton (c. 1900); and rare books on the life of his grandmother - Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton, the matriarch of this University are also on view. This display case also features older versions of Seton Hall ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) patches, which are worn on the upper right arm of a cadet’s dress uniform. The design of these particular ROTC patches has changed since the 1970’s version and currently features the school seal. Various Seton Hall Men's Basketball glassware which commemorates Seton Hall’s tenth anniversary as part of the Big East Conference and various home game contests during the 1990’s is also included in this presentation.

The Msgr. William Noé Field Archives and Special Collections Center display can be viewed throughout the Summer and Fall 2004 semesters, and is located on the first floor of Walsh Library. The exhibit may be viewed during normal library business hours. Consult the University Libraries homepage at - <http://library.shu.edu> for full schedule. For more information about this exhibit please feel free to contact Meagan Quinn, Curator by phone: (973) 275-2378, or via e-mail at: <quinnmea@shu.edu>