Msgr. Francis A. O'Brien collection

This collection includes correspondence, sermons written by Msgr. O'Brien, records related to the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society, 19th century photographs, subject files, and memorabilia. Msgr. O'Brien corresponded with numerous Bishops and clergy members such as Bishop Borgess, Bishop Foley, Msgr. Antonini, Msgr. DeBever, and Bishop gallagher. The letters in Msgr. O'Brien's copybooks dating from 1883 to 1900 were transcribed by Sr. Marie A. Houle. Transcriptions were also made for many of the other letters in the collection.

Sermons composed by Msgr. O'Brien include the following topics: the flu epidemic, feast days, evil influences, relics, sacraments, saints, and vocations. There are also notebooks of sermons dating from 1884 to 1893. Other works included are a speech given at the University of Michigan and the publications Forgotten Heroines; Two Early Missionaries to the Indians: Lady Antionette Von Hoeffern and Father Franz Pierz; Le Pere Juste: Right Reverend Monsignor Joos, V.G.; As the Bishop Saw It; and other works in both manuscript and published format.

The records of the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society include correspondence from Clarence M. Burton, Marie B. Ferrey, Claude H. Van Tyne, Augustus C. Carton, Governor Woodbridge N. Ferris, Henry R. Pattengill, William L. Jenks, Charles Moore, Frank A. Kenyon, the Michigan State Federation of Women's Clubs, and others regarding research topics, publications, meetings, and general business. The records also include information on Mackinac Island and correspondence with Edwin O. Wood who was the author of Historic Mackinac.

The collection includes daguerreotypes, tintypes, carte de visites, cabinet cards, and early 20th century photographs, only some of which are labeled with names. There are images of popes and clergy including Rev. Francis Van Antwerp, Rev. David Dillon, Rev. E. Joos, Bishop Camillus Maes, Father Lochbihler, and Cardinal John Bonzano. There are also a number of portraits of Msgr. O'Brien as well as a few of his family. There are 8 folders labelled "personal album." It is obvious that many of these were once in an album due to the adhesive and paper adhered to the backs of the photos. It is unknown why they were removed from the album and what connection, if any, Msgr. O'Brien had with the people in the portraits. However, many of the photos were taken in portrait studios in Kalamazoo, Detroit, and Monroe, so they may be members of the parishes that Msgr. O'Brien ministered. It is also possible that the photographs are Msgr. O'Brien's family members. One is definitely a family member - the carte de visite of Abbie C. Keegan, the daughter of Msgr. O'Brien's cousin Patrick Henry Keegan. Also of interest are the photographs of girls in communion dress.