The Woman Behind St. Agnes’ Archives: Ms. Susan Wolfe

In the bustling hallways of St. Agnes, amidst the daily chatter of students, teachers hurriedly scurrying to refill their coffee cups, and the everyday hustle of high school life, there exists Room 200. Nestled behind the second-floor Water Fountain, it sits unaffected by our hectic passing periods – a peaceful hideaway from the daily commotion of a St. Agnes’ school day, holding hundreds of records of the memories, achievements, and stories of St. Agnes’ history within its walls: the School Archives and the office of Ms. Susan Wolfe, the St. Agnes’ Archivist. 

Ms. Wolfe’s journey as the Archivist began in the early 2000s. Initially, she volunteered with Mr. Sutter – St. Agnes’ librarian – while her daughter was a student and when the Archives were nothing more than boxes scattered around the school chapel. A few years later, after her daughter had graduated, Ms. Wolfe was soon asked by the former head of school, Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P., to transform the archives from its haphazard pile in the chapel into organized treasures, becoming the school’s first Archivist. 
Now, years later, Ms. Wolfe’s mission is clear: to collect, maintain, and share the history of our school.

The original St. Agnes building on Fannin Street (1956). The letters “SAA” are preserved in the Archives.

From the letters of the school’s original building to the first ledger of St. Agnes, the Archives house a myriad of historical artifacts that Ms. Wolfe preserves. Many materials now come in digital form, but she ensures that everything finds its rightful place in the Archives, meticulously arranging and identifying each item. Her days are filled with curating photographs from school events and annual traditions, carefully deciding how to best preserve the essence of the event for years to come.  

The Archives are not just a collection of relics, however. Ms. Wolfe says they are a testament to St. Agnes’ spirit. Looking at old invitations to Madonna Day services and graduation ceremony pictures from the 1970s, each item tells a story, threading together the history of St. Agnes. Alumni, numbering over 12,000, often find solace in the archives, reconnecting with their past through yearbooks and memories. 

Thanks to the dedication and passion of Ms. Wolfe, the history and culture of St. Agnes are meticulously preserved and kept accessible for generations to come!