NFP Archives: A Safe Haven for Precious NFP History

If you have ever wondered what you should do with your vast array of NFP-related materials when you retire, fear not! The answer is a simple as packing everything up and sending your box (or boxes, no doubt) to the National NFP Archives located at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, FL.

Hand chosen years ago by a small committee begun by, now deceased, Larry Kane of the Human Life and Natural Family Planning Foundation, Ave Maria was picked because of the care they promised to take in preserving the historic pieces.

Jennifer Nodes, director of library services for Canizaro Library at Ave Maria University, said the NFP archives are stored in a climate-controlled room and files are kept in archival boxes that are pH neutral.

To date, Nodes reports that they have 178.5 linear feet of NFP materials, totaling 2,364 volumes. She added, “The archives have been used more frequently by researchers both within the institution and outside. We have had several researchers this year come to view files within the archives for publications. As the archives are made more visible and more researchers become aware of them, we will see an increase in use. It is our hope that someday much of the archives will be digitized and made available online for researchers.”

Since they host the only NFP archive in the country, Nodes said it would be helpful for recording the history of the movement if they continue to update the collection, particularly regarding new developments in NFP.

Retired OB/Gyn and Medical Missionary Sister Hanna Klaus, MD, said of the archives, “It’s very valuable having a place to send materials.” Over the years, Klaus sent boxes of her treasured correspondence and other documents to Ave Maria University. As the founder of TeenSTAR, she is considering the library as a place that may make the most sense to house the historical background of TeenSTAR. 

While shipping is at your expense, it will be well worth the time and effort to preserve a piece of history. They welcome everything from educational and promotional materials (books, brochures, CDs, etc.) to personal correspondence with leaders in the field as well as news articles and just about anything that would be of interest to researchers both now and in the future.
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NFP Archives
Canizaro Library
5251 Donahue Street
Ave Maria, FL 34142
 
​To find aids for the collection CLICK HERE