Archabbey History Museum

The Saint Meinrad Archabbey History Museum showcases the story of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, its Seminary and School of Theology, the Abbey Press, the Oblate Community, and the monastic community’s influence in the history of the Church, Indiana, the United States, and around the globe. The grand opening of the Saint Meinrad Archabbey History Museum will occur at 9:00am (Central time) on Monday, July 1, 2024.

The History Museum’s inaugural exhibit, “The Evolution of Tradition: A Brief History of Saint Meinrad Archabbey,” tells the story of how Benedictine monks from Switzerland made their home in southern Indiana in the 1850s and learned rather quickly to adapt themselves to a vastly different and fast-changing American landscape. The pioneer monks’ zeal to make Saint Meinrad a success determined that change and adaptability would continue to be hallmarks of the monastic community, an enterprise that continues into the present. The History Museum also features a permanent exhibit of decorative plates from the Abbey Press. 

All photographs that are on display in the Saint Meinrad Archabbey History Museum can be purchased in digital format from the Saint Meinrad Archabbey Archives. 

The Saint Meinrad Archabbey History Museum is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. (Central time), or by appointment. It is located on the lower level of the Archabbey Library in room L126, across from the Institute for Sacred Music. 

Please contact the Archabbey Archives for more information. 

archives2@saintmeinrad.edu

(812) 357-6756

walking on the grounds

Enjoy our Benedictine hospitality. Join the monks at prayer or tour the grounds.

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