The Immaculate Heart Community records contain material spanning the history of the Immaculate Heart Community (IHC), a Catholic religious teaching institute based in Los Angeles, and its parent institution, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), founded in 1848 by Father Joaquin Masmitja de Puig in Olot, Catalonia (Spain). The material in the collection was created between approximately 1852 and 2021 and consists of a wide variety of items and formats including correspondence, administrative documents, programs, photographs, newspaper clippings, publications, ephemera, and electronic content stored on CDs, DVDs, audio and video tapes, high-density zip drives, and an external hard drive. The collection covers a variety of topics and subjects about IHC's history from its founding in Spain through its establishment and continued existence in California, including its operations and various activities. The collection also highlights women's roles in education, religious and spiritual life, the arts, and social activism.

In 1848, Canon Joaquin Masmitja de Puig, in response to the spiritual, educational, and social needs of young women challenged by living in wartime Spain, founded the Daughters of the Most Holy and Immaculate Heart of Mary in Olot, Catalonia. By 1868, their reputation as skilled educators prompted Bishop Amat of California to invite them to found an educational apostolate in Los Angeles. In 1871, ten pioneer sisters arrived in California and were assigned to several locations before ultimately arriving to work in Los Angeles itself.

139.88 Linear Feet 123 boxes

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the President of the Immaculate Heart Community. Contact President, Immaculate Heart Community at 5515 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028-5901 or ihmla@ihmoffice.org

Collection stored off-site. Advance notice required for access.