Documenting Sisters’ Habits: A Conversation with Darrin Pufall Purdy

In the most recent issue of American Catholic Studies, Darrin Purfall Purdy (Boise State University) described his work documenting and replicating a traditional habit of the Sisters of Charity of New York. We are pleased to have him join us for a special conversation about that project and his broader efforts to preserve the material history of sisters’ habits.  We invite attendees to read the essay in advance (available here) and come with questions or comments for the discussion.

About the Speaker

Darrin Pufall Purdy is a Professor of Theatre and Director of University Theatre at Boise State University, where he teaches costume design and technology. His research and creative practice center on the documentation, reconstruction, and fabrication of traditional religious habits worn by American communities of women religious. His research and reconstructions have informed professional productions internationally—most notably the 2024 Broadway revival of Doubt: A Parable by John Patrick Shanley—demonstrating the enduring relevance of his work to contemporary theatre and design.