Cultural Heritage Gallery (CHG)
Cultural Heritage Gallery
The Cultural Heritage Gallery at Rosemont College (CHG) was co founded in 2021 by Joanne Campbell, in partnership with Tina Waldeier Bizzarro, a professor of art history and professor emerita, and Brittney Nix-Crawford, an Associate Professor of Communications and Africana Studies who now teaches at UNC Charlotte and serves as Director of the CHG External Advisory Board.
Currently, the gallery is led by Campbell as Director and Lead Curator, working alongside team members Chelsea Frank, Director of the CHG Archives, and Rennie Andrews, Director of CHG Stewardship & Engagement, and affiliated faculty members.
The gallery’s mission is to celebrate and explore diverse cultures through dynamic, rotating co curated exhibitions displayed in the Gertrude Kistler Library and Lawrence Hall. Designed as a living laboratory and a platform for experiential learning, CHG provides students with opportunities for co curation, travel/study programming, internships, and alumni and community engagement. The Cultural Heritage Gallery events demonstrate Rosemont’s dedication to education, creativity, and shared experience. Each program invites reflection, dialogue, and celebration across disciplines and traditions.
The Witness Tree Project
Craft, connect, and preserve Rosemont’s living history every Monday. The entire community is invited to join master quilter Cathy Fennell for collaborative quilting, textile arts, photography, and Photo Voice storytelling in the Sharon Latchaw Hirsh Community Center Cafeteria, where you’ll help build the Witness Tree Quilt alongside the Black Student Union, Cultural Heritage Gallery, RoseGrow Environmental Coalition, and Studio Art Department.
2026 Exhibits
February: 100 Years of Black History Month!
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month—founded by Carter G. Woodson in 1926—Rosemont College's Campus Ministry has spotlighted inspiring Black trailblazers each week with dedicated slides on the TV screen in the Sharon Latchaw Hirsh Community Center lobby, complemented by engaging articles on our website. Join us in honoring Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights icon and hope-keeper; Ryan Coogler, the visionary filmmaker behind cultural blockbusters; Dr. Gladys West, the pioneering mathematician who revolutionized GPS; and Carter G. Woodson, the "Father of Black History." Learn more in the Cultural Heritage Gallery.
Caplan African Art Collection Exhibit Opens: January 23 – March 2
Rosemont College announces the opening of the Caplan African Art Exhibit. This inspiring cultural exhibit will remain open from January 23rd through March 2nd in the Patricia M. Nugent Art Gallery in Lawrence Hall. This exhibit showcases works that reflect the depth and diversity of African artistic tradition
A public reception will take place on February 7th at 5:00pm in the gallery (snow date February 14th).
Women in Glass Event: Saints of the Rosemont Chapel
Wednesday, January 28, at 4:30pm in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
All are welcome to join a riveting presentation with musical performances by Professor Carla Spataro & Dr. Francis Klose III January 28, 2026. Attendees will walk an illuminated path to Main Building for food, refreshments, and art depicting St. Brigid of Kildare, followed by presentations on Rosemont’s architecture, history, and the stories behind the women who appear in the chapel’s stained glass. Collaborators and presenters include Professor Joanne Campbell, Dr. Christine Hagedorn, Sr. Peg Doyle, Michelle Moravec, PhD, Maggie Hobson Baker, Alison Willse, and Tina Waldeier Bizzarro. The evening also celebrates the birthday of Dr. Tina Waldeier Bizzarro
The event includes a call for St. Brigid themed artwork (submissions due by January 26, 2026).
Feast of St. Brigid & Imbolc
Sunday, February 1 in the Cultural Heritage Gallery
This observance honors seasonal traditions and spiritual renewal.
Groundhog Day Folklore
Monday, February 2 in the Cultural Heritage Gallery
The program explores history and folklore tied to seasonal change.
Caplan African Art Collection Reception
Saturday, February 7, 5:00pm in the Patricia M. Nugent Gallery
Rosemont College announces the public reception will take place on February 7th at 5:00pm in the gallery (snow date February 14th).
The Caplan African Art Exhibit will remain open from January 23rd through March 2nd in the Patricia M. Nugent Art Gallery in Lawrence Hall. This inspiring exhibit showcases works that reflect the depth and diversity of African artistic tradition.
Quilting the Rosemont Witness Tree
Wednesday, February 11 in the Raven’s Nest Café
This event partners with the BSU course. Professor Rosanne Rissmiller leads the program.
Lunar New Year 2026: Fire Horse
Tuesday, February 17 in the Cultural Heritage Gallery
Lunar New Year 2026 is Feb 17 and is the Year of the Yang Fire Horse. Expect high-energy, fast changes, passion & big transformation (this combo only returns every 60 years).15 days of celebration end with the Lantern Festival on March 3 — coinciding with a dramatic total lunar eclipse (Blood Moon).
Lent: Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 18 in the Community Center
Wednesday February 18, begins the holy season of Lent for Christians throughout the world. It is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving/charity that continues until the evening Mass on April 2. Campus Ministry will bless ashes and distribute them in the Community Center lobby between noon and 1 pm on Ash Wednesday. All are welcome to receive this symbol of our observing Lent. We will also bring ashes all afternoon to each building on campus for those who would like to receive them. We will have boxes available in the Community Center lobby for donations to Catholic Relief Services for their humanitarian efforts in places with great need.
Ramadan
Wednesday, February 18 in the Cultural Heritage Gallery
In concert with Campus Ministry, the gallery recognizes this important time of reflection and faith. Ramadan begins at sundown on Tuesday, February 17th. The holiest month of the Islamic calendar, it is a sacred time when 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide fast, pray, reflect and engage in charity. They fast daily from dawn until sunset to purify their hearts, develop self discipline, and empathize with those in need. We wish the members of our community who observe Ramadan a blessed season.
Students who are observing Ramadan can see Darrell, Tao, Chef or Lisa in the dining hall to make arrangements for their meals. Several students and faculty accepted Villanova’s invitation to join them for their Iftar on Thursday, February 19.
March: Women's History Month 2026
March is Women's History Month. It began locally in Santa Rosa, California as Women's History Week in 1978, and in 1987, Congress passed a law to recognize it Women's History Month law. Learn more in the Cultural Heritage Gallery.
Each week of March 2026, Campus Ministry featured a different woman who has impacted history. Click to lean more about each weekly honoree including Margaret "Marge" "Pancho" Villa-Cryan, Suzan Shown Harjo, Patsy T. Mink, Malala Yousafzai, and Beatrix Farrand.
LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week
LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week 2026 is March 16–20th. Stop by the Sharon Latchaw Hirsh Community Center and visit the Student Engagement table to learn more about health in the LGBTQ+ community on March 18th between 11am–1pm. Build your own Pride pin set (allies 100% welcome)! Explore the Cultural Heritage Gallery to learn more.
St. Patrick’s Day
Tuesday, March 17 in the Cultural Heritage Gallery
St. Patrick’s Day is an annual cultural and religious holiday celebrated on March 17th to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Common traditions include parades, wearing green, shamrocks, and festivities highlighting Irish heritage around the world.
Annual Seder & Gathering
Campus Ministry invites alumnae, students, and friends of the community to attend a meaningful and welcoming Seder on March 18, 2026, at 5:00pm. This signature tradition that reflects faith, learning, and shared values. It also offers a space for reflection, remembrance, and connection across generations.
Eid al-Fitr
March 19-20 in the Cultural Heritage Gallery
Muslims observing Ramadan will end their dawn-to-sunset fasting pacticed during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar with this “Festival of Breaking the Fast” meal.
Cultural Heritage Gallery: Rosemont's Irish History
Rosemont College proudly announces two engaging presentations that highlight the rich Irish History woven into the fabric of Rosemont College. On March 25, 2026, the Cultural Heritage Gallery will present two dynamic programs exploring the people, traditions, and Irish stories that have shaped Rosemont College history.
All Bones Considered: 52 Laurel Hill Women begins at 3:30pm in Main Building. Between presentations, guests will enjoy food, beverages and Irish music. The afternoon will continue with The Hooves on the Hill: Irish Equestrian Heritage, a presentation highlighting the Sinnott family, the Rosemont Equestrian Club, the McShains, and the College's storied architecture and buildings.
Climate Teach In
Wednesday, April 8, 3:30pm in the Rotwitt Theater of the McShain Performing Arts Center
Faculty will present on sustainability, gardens, agriculture, and climate focused learning. View the 2026 Climate Teach In event flyer to learn more.
Witness Tree” Quilting Bee With BSU
All are welcome to join the Black Student Union on Monday, April 13th from 11:00am – 1:00pm in Cardinal Dining Hall in the Community Center to help them create a patchwork depicting the stories of our Rosemont Witness Trees for Founders’ Week. Witness Trees are living trees that have survived for decades or centuries, standing present during significant historical events. What stories could our Rosemont trees tell?
May Day Celebration
Friday, May 1 in the Gertrude Kistler Memorial Library
Rosemont College warmly invites the entire campus community and friends to the May Day Celebration 2026. This spring tradition is filled with joy, flowers, music, and togetherness. This free, festive event offers a wonderful opportunity to pause, celebrate the season, and honor Rosemont’s rich cultural heritage.
The program features Yggdrasil: The Sacred Tree, and updates on the Rosemont coffee table book.
Prior Exhibits
2025 Exhibits
Since its founding, the Cultural Heritage Gallery has showcased a broad range of cultural themes, including topics such as winter festivals around the World, The folk art of Pennsylvania German fraktur, Polish heritage, Indigenous studies, Irish mythology, Africana studies, Mexican art and culture, the Medieval Heritage of Rosemont College, the Architectural Heritage of Rosemont College and graffiti studies in Ukraine. These exhibits foster a deeper appreciation of global diversity at Rosemont College.
Winter Celebrations Around the World: December 2025
Student Curators: Detatils coming soon
The Art and Culture of Mexico: October & November 2025
Student Curators: Detatils coming soon
Pennsylvania German Folk Art: October & November 2025
Works on Loan from: Campbell-Nichols American Folk Art Collection
Collection Includes: Fraktur, Stoneware, Iron Work, Bird Trees, Redware, Noah’s Arks, Schimmel Carvings, Paint Decorated Furniture
Past Exhibits
Details coming soon
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Inspiration from the Venerable Cornelia Connelly, Foundress of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus,
the Sponsoring Congregation of Rosemont College
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Joanne S. Campbell
Assistant Professor, Discipline Coordinator for Sociology & Criminology, Director of the Cultural Heritage Gallery
Tina Waldeier-Bizzarro
Co-Instructor of of Medievalism and Popular Culture in Ireland, Professor Emerita & Co-Founder The Cultural Heritage Gallery
Chelsea Frank
Executive Director of Library and Learning Commons, Director of Archives for Cultural Heritage Gallery
Tatiana Ripoll Paez, MA, MSc
Assistant Professor & Discipline Coordinator of Modern Languages, Study Abroad & Internship Coordinator