Marquette Home Libraries Home Information FIND at Marquette

July 2003
Francis Paul Prucha
Society of Jesus
Archives Reading Room
Marquette University will honor one of its most distinguished faculty members on October 2, 2003, when it officially dedicates the Francis Paul Prucha, S.J., Archives Reading Room.  One of the most respected historians of his generation, Father Prucha is the author and editor of 25 books and is known internationally for his expertise on the American West and Native American Indian policy.   His research has influenced hundreds of scholars and Congressional policy makers.  Prucha also helped establish Marquette’s rich research collections documenting Catholicism among Native Americans. Picture of Francis Paul Prucha, S.J.
Francis Paul Prucha, S.J.
Born in River Falls, Wisconsin, Father Prucha earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1941.  Following military service during the Second World War he completed advanced degrees from the University of Minnesota, Harvard, and St. Louis University.  Prucha joined the Society of Jesus in 1950 and  was ordained in 1957.   Three years later he began teaching at Marquette and is remembered by generations of alumni as a model of the teacher-scholar.  When the editor of Marquette Magazine recently asked readers to write about their greatest teachers, Father Prucha was identified among a group of classroom legends.  "Of all the teachers I've had," wrote Richard Hryniewicki (A&S '61, MA '63), "Father Prucha did the most to instill a love of learning, a quest for knowledge, and practicing work ethic."

In the late 1960s, while studying under a Guggeheim Fellowship, Prucha began work on a comprehensive history of U.S. Indian policy.  His research culminated with the two-volume The Great Father: The United States Government and the American Indians.  The book was a finalist for the Pulitizer Prize in history and is regarded as a classic among professional historians.  The receipient of six honorary degrees, he was awarded his emeritus appointment in 1988.

James A. (EN '69) and Barbara Runde were instrumental in building support for the establishment of the Prucha Reading Room, making a generous contribution to the building project.  “I found Father Prucha to be an inspiration,” reflected James Runde, “both in terms of his scholarship and his faith.”  They’ve remained close for almost 40 years.

The Prucha Reading Room will provide service for all patrons interested in examining manuscripts, rare books, or archival material.  Located on the third floor of the new John P. Raynor, S.J., Library, the Prucha Reading Room overlooks the campus mall and the 15th century Joan of Arc Chapel.  Adjacent to the Prucha Reading Room is a state-of-the-art collection storage facility, staff work space, and two seminar rooms.
For more information please contact Matt Blessing, Department of Special Collections and Archives, at (414) 288-5901 or Matt.Blessing@marquette.edu

This page compiled and maintained by:
Susan Hopwood, 288-5995 or Susan.Hopwood@marquette.edu

Mail your comments and suggestions about this site to our Webmaster

< Libraries Home Return to top of page
© 2003 Marquette University -- Last Update: June 24, 2003