St. Ursula Academy social studies teacher Brandi Sharlow loves to share information about the past with her students, but she recently took her love of history to another level—one that not only underlines the importance of SUA’s sponsors, the Ursuline Sisters, but also ensures their longevity.

Sharlow has spent the last year working as an archive processor for the Sisters. In this position, she reads and analyzes primary sources that the Ursulines have collected since their arrival in Toledo in 1854. Some of the sources include newspaper articles, biographical information on the Sisters, financial records, and photographs. She must then organize the materials so that they can be preserved and used for research on the Order. 

“What I enjoy most about this position is learning the rich history of the Toledo Ursulines and piecing together their story. It is truly a dream to get to dive into history and relive the experiences of such dedicated and devoted women,” she said.

Sharlow has previously worked in historical archiving through the University of Toledo Canaday Center Archival Collection and Rare Books.

—Information source: July 2020 issue of Ursuline Newsletter