Description
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.
Background
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.
Extent
139.88 Linear Feet
123 boxes
Restrictions
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
Availability
Collection stored off-site. Advance notice required for access.