In 1867, the BVM sisters began educational ministry in Chicago. From there, they expanded to the West Coast and other points in the Midwest, South and East. After World War II, Hawaii became a mission, and in the 1960s, South America. The Second Vatican Council released additional energies for diversified ministry. Archives BVM archives are housed at the BVM Center in Dubuque, Iowa.
Persons doing historical research and genealogy are welcome to use the archives.
Offices of the Iowa Conference of Archivists of Catholic Institutions are also at the BVM Center. The BVM Heritage Society pursues historical research and communication. It meets twice each year for presentations and dialogue, planning and celebration.