Albany Institute of History and Art acquires College of St. Rose artifacts

Video features NEWS10's original coverage of Saint Rose's closure.

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Albany Institute of History and Art announced their acquisition of historical artifacts from the closed College of Saint Rose. The items will be permanently preserved among the institute's collection in an effort to carry on the school's legacy.

Saint Rose, which was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1920, closed its doors in December 2024 following the graduation of its final class. Boasting over 50,000 total graduates across 100 different academic programs, the iconic Capital Region campus was purchased by the Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority back in March.

The artifacts acquired by the Albany Institute include the college's original charter, the school's ceremonial mace, the presidential medallion, and hundreds of documents, garments and photos. The organization will be presenting the items in a special exhibition titled "Spotlight: The College of Saint Rose," which will be on display from July 19 through October 5.

"We are honored to be the final repository of historical objects and materials from The College of Saint Rose," stated Kayla Carlsen, Executive Director of the Albany Institute of History and Art. "In keeping with our mission to collect, preserve, and exhibit the history and culture of the Upper Hudson Valley, this archival collection from the college represent a significant chapter in the story of the Capital Region."

"This thoughtful and lasting preservation effort ensures that the story of Saint Rose will be preserved," said George Hearst III, Chairman of the Board of the Albany Institute and longtime trustee and benefactor of the College. "The collection reflects the college's proud traditions and rich history, as well as the spirit of resilience and service that defined the Saint Rose community."

"Thanks to the Albany Institute of History and Art, and the leadership of George Hearst, generations will be able to learn how Saint Rose transformed so many lives," former College of Saint Rose President Marcia White stated. "The upcoming exhibit will enable Saint Rose alumni, including thousands of educators, to have a place where they can share their Saint Rose memories with their families, friends and students."

The Albany Institute of History and Art is located at 125 Washington Avenue. The facility is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.