The collection comprises writings, correspondence, newspaper and periodical clippings, legal papers, flyers, programs, photographs, audiotapes and videotapes, graphic materials, and realia relating to the life and career of Darlene Nicgorski, a leader in the Sanctuary movement for Central American refugees in the United States in the early 1980s, and a defendant in the Arizona Sanctuary Trial of 1985-1986. The materials focus in particular on three areas: (1) The trial in Federal District Court in Tucson, Arizona (the “Arizona Sanctuary Trial”), of Nicgorski and others for conspiracy and encouraging illegal aliens to enter the United States, their conviction and sentencing, and their unsuccessful appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, 1985-1989; (2) Nicgorski’s involvement in the Sanctuary movement, 1981-1987; and (3) her relations with the order of School Sisters of St. Francis (SSSF), to which she belonged until the end of 1987.

The materials documenting the trial include relatively few court documents, or documents relating to the defendants as a group, but focus on Nicgorski and her defense, prepared and undertaken by Michael Altman. Especially noteworthy are the original microcassettes and transcripts of Nicgorski’s daily reflections on the course of the trial; her statements to attorneys and the other defendants, and her public statements during the trial; and interviews of Nicgorski and several witnesses by defense counsel Michael Altman. Other significant materials include post-conviction letters concerning Nicgorski addressed to Judge Carroll for his consideration when determining her sentence; a large number of letters of support addressed to Nicgorski; and two extensive collections of clippings from newspapers and periodicals, one prepared by Nicgorski herself, the other by the Sanctuary Defense Fund’s media office.

Materials documenting the Sanctuary movement include studies, flyers, pamphlets, and special issues of periodical publications, that investigate and report on the issues confronting refugees from Central America, their attempts to escape repression in their homeland, the movement in the United States to provide asylum and sanctuary for these refugees, United States government policy on Central America, and the actions of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Materials of particular significance include audiotaped interviews in the early 1980s with refugees; photographs documenting Nicgorski’s work in Central America and with Central American refugees in Arizona; and extensive records--including some audiotapes and videotapes--of Nicgorski’s speaking engagements, in particular for the years 1985-1987. Other significant materials include publicity, programs, and liturgies for prayer and worship services for the movement; the Freedom Train Sanctuary caravan from Phoenix to Northampton, Massachusetts, in the summer of 1987; posters, newspaper political cartoons, and other graphics concerning the movement; and writings by, and correspondence with, others working with Central American refugees, including Jim Corbett and Mary Malherek, MM.

Materials documenting Nicgorski's relationship with the order of School Sisters of St. Francis (SSSF) include a substantial number of records relating to the order’s support for the Sanctuary movement and for Nicgorski during her trial. Among these records are official letters of support from the order, private letters from individual members of the order, and a detailed media packet that carefully summarizes Nicgorski’s life, the circumstances that led Central Americans to seek refuge in the United States, the Sanctuary movement, and the Roman Catholic Church’s support for the movement. Materials documenting Nicgorski's personal relationship to the order include her 1970 and 1974 professions, personal papers, and materials relating to her 1987 separation from the order.