Emperor Karl, the last monarch of Austria-Hungary, is coming to Middletown, Connecticut—not the Emperor himself, of course, but an extraordinary collection dedicated to preserving his life, faith, and legacy.

The Emperor Karl Archive of North America is a comprehensive collection of images, artifacts, artwork, period photographs, and historical documents illustrating the remarkable life and times of Blessed Karl of Austria. The collection offers a unique opportunity to encounter Karl as emperor and king, husband and father, soldier and peacemaker, and above all, a man whose Catholic faith shaped his public and private life.

The Archive is being housed at Queen of the Apostles Academy on the campus of St. Sebastian Church in Middletown, providing a home for the preservation, study, and sharing of Blessed Karl’s story in North America.

The faithful are invited to celebrate the Archive’s formal dedication on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The day will begin with Holy Mass at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon and conference on Blessed Karl at 12:15 PM. From 1:30–3:30 PM, the Archive Rooms will be open, offering guests an opportunity to explore the collection and its displays.

Schedule

11:00 AM
Holy Mass

12:15 PM
Luncheon & Conference on Blessed Karl
Church Hall

1:30–3:30 PM
Archive Rooms & Displays Open for Viewing

Location

St. Sebastian Church
155 Washington Street
Middletown, Connecticut 06457

The dedication marks an important new chapter for the Blessed Emperor Karl Archive of North America and its mission to preserve, study, and share the history and Christian witness of Blessed Karl and his family for generations to come.

RSVP by September 30, 2026
Please reply to Prof. Dr. Paul van Wie at pvanwie310@gmail.com.