Why do we have historians?

by Mary Ann Blanchette

Why do we have historians? -because they save records and pictures of our parishes in regards to our faith development and spiritual activities. They show how our parishes reach out to others and how they put their faith into action.

The purpose for history is to help us learn from the past; it can show us who we are. The past goes a long way toward defining who we are today. Just as an individual is impaired or limited by lack of or loss of memory, so is the church limited or impaired if it forgets it’s past.

A few reminders to all who keep scrapbooks, family albums or other records.

• Make sure you date all material (date, month, year).
• Identify the people in the pictures (who, what, where).
• Photocopy newspaper articles.
• Use acid free paper.
• Keep all scrapbooks and all other records in a safe dry place.

I have been a New Ulm Council of Catholic Women historian for a year now and I must say, it’s been challenging and a faithfilled journey for me. The Lord put many obstacles in my way as the year progressed and I learned to trust in Him and things will turn out alright.