In 1877 James Gibbons became archbishop of Baltimore, the oldest and most prestigious archdiocese in the United States (which included Washington, D.C.). In 1886 he was created a cardinal, the second American to receive the red zuchetto. From that time until his death in 1921, he was the unofficial leader of the Church in the United States, honored and extolled by all Americans.

In 1917 Theodore Roosevelt wrote to him, Taking your life as a whole, I think you now occupy the position of being the most respected, and venerated, and useful citizen of our country.

His zuchetto is a very valued asset to the Collection.

The other items presented here are a large medallion commemorating the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, and a box with an image of him on the cover.

The second photo depicts a note card, written and signed by him. In part it reads, My dear Sr. Agathai, the enclosed paper was sent to me by Mother Placide for my signature which I gladly affix. I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you on the occasion of….on May 19. J. Card. Gibbons

A third item, a portion of his cassock is included here.