Miriam Theresa Rooney, born on the Fourth of July in Charlestown, was an American Catholic original. After working as a librarian at the Boston Public Library, she pursued her education, earning degrees from Catholic University and George Washington Law School. In 1948, she joined the faculty at Catholic University’s law school before becoming the founding dean of Seton Hall University School of Law, making her the first woman dean at an ABA-accredited Law School. Rooney played a pivotal role in quickly obtaining accreditation for Seton Hall Law from the ABA in 1955 and membership in the Association of American Law Schools in 1960. She retired in 1970, having left a lasting impact on legal education.
The Monsignor Field Archives & Special Collection Center:
- Personal papers, 1930-1960:
The personal files in the collection feature newspaper articles and correspondence from institutions like Catholic University, Georgetown University, and the Diocese of St. Augustine in Florida, where Rooney had connections. This series includes a diary, letters from friends and religious figures, records of Rooney's memberships and donations, as well as numerous photographs and corresponding negatives capturing various subjects such as nature, cars, buildings, churches, and cemeteries.
- Catholic University, 1931-1941
- Diary, 1937
- Diocese of St. Augustine in Florida, October 1941
- Georgetown University, 1935
- Letters from friends, 1937-1941
- Letters from religious figures, 1937
- Memberships and Donations, 1933-1944
- Personal cards and notes
- Photographs and negatives
- Photographs and negatives 2
- Priest files, 1930-1960:
Rooney's priest files primarily center around Father John Cartwright and Monsignor Edward Pace. The collection includes brochures for the Baltimore Archdiocesan Pilgrimage led by Father Cartwright, along with clippings on both priests, Sister Aimee of the Precious Blood Monastery, Pope Paul VI, Canon Sheehan, Pope Pius XII, Archbishop Curley, and Bishop McEntegart of Brooklyn. Additionally, Monsignor Edward Pace's papers contain his lectures and correspondence with Miriam Rooney.
- Baltimore Archdiocesan Pilgrimage led by Father Cartwright
- Father John Cartwright
- Monsignor Edward Pace - files of Father Connie Dougherty
- Monsignor Edward Pace lectures
- Monsignor Edward Pace - letters, 1932-1940
- Monsignor Edward Pace - Death announcement and commemorations, 1938-1942
- Religious papers
Echoes of the Archive: Unveiling Hidden Gender Narratives at Seton Hall
Episode 1: Echoes of Change: Unraveling Seton Hall's Gendered Past
Episode 1 of "Echoes of the Archive: Unveiling Hidden Gender Narratives at Seton Hall" delves into the university's gendered past, from its origins as a male-only institution to its transition to coeducation. Host Pegi Bracaj explores the biases, challenges, and triumphs experienced along the way, highlighting artifacts and historical accounts to illuminate the gender dynamics within the campus community. The episode acknowledges the struggles faced by women in academia while celebrating trailblazers like Miriam Theresa Rooney, whose leadership broke barriers and paved the way for gender equality. Despite progress, ongoing issues such as unequal representation in leadership roles remind us of the importance of continued advocacy for inclusivity and equity in education.
Episode 2: Silent Witnesses: Women's Stories in the SHU Archives
Episode 2 of "Echoes of the Archive: Unveiling Hidden Narratives at Seton Hall" explores the often overlooked stories of women within the university's archives. Host Pegi Bracaj discusses the challenge of uncovering these narratives, drawing parallels to Virginia Woolf's insights on women needing space to assert their voices. The impact of limited representation is explored, with a focus on the overshadowing of women's contributions, exemplified by Miriam Rooney's papers being found within John McNulty's collection. Despite challenges, remarkable stories of women are unearthed, emphasizing the importance of actively preserving and seeking out these histories. Bracaj concludes by urging listeners to reflect on these untold stories and promises further exploration in future episodes.
Episode 3: Capturing Shadows: The Enigma of Miriam Rooney
In this podcast episode, host Pegi Bracaj explores the mysterious life of Miriam Rooney, a prominent figure in Seton Hall's history. Through archival materials and insights from various sources, the episode delves into Rooney's achievements as the Dean of Seton Hall University School of Law, her academic and professional journey, and her multifaceted contributions to the community. The episode also sheds light on the challenges faced by women in leadership roles during Rooney's time and reflects on her legacy as a pioneering figure. Despite the gaps in her story, Rooney's presence in the archives serves as a testament to the complexities of her life and the enduring impact she made.
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