Summer Renovations and Revised Shrine Hours

Our Garden in the Valley of Blessings is Growing!
Summer Renovations and Revised Shrine Hours

You are visiting the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton at a very special time – a time of growth, a time of expansion, and a time of inspiration. Our roots in this Valley of Blessings, as Mother Seton referred to this area, are deep and strong – deep from the years of history that took place here and strong from the enduring legacy of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Our mission is to promote the life and legacy of the Elizabeth Ann Seton as a source of inspiration and encouragement for all people. As part of this mission we are expanding our spiritual and historical enrichment programs for all ages, pilgrimages, retreats, and workshops.  Our museum will also be expanding its historical exhibits and offerings. All of this expansion results in the need to grow physically as well as spiritually! Much growth has already taken place and there is more to be done. 

As part of this growth, the HVAC system is being replaced in part of our facility, which includes the Basilica and some of the Museum areas. We appreciate your understanding during our time of growth, and it is our utmost priority to provide a comfortable and memorable visit for our patrons. Many of the areas are unaffected by the HVAC construction, and they will be cool and ready for you to visit! These include: The Charity Afire Civil War exhibit, The Seton Heritage Shoppe, and the White House.

Coming in late May - We invite you to visit an exhibit about our expansion, and also a unique exhibit about the summer climate and conditions during St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s time. Learn how people in the 1800s handled the warm months without air conditioning, and let the footsteps of the past help you gain a better understanding of our journey today!

We hope you learn, love and enjoy all there is to offer here. We appreciate you visiting and feeding our growth with your sunshine!

With our guests comfort in mind, please note that we have adjusted our hours and schedules.
Basilica:
May and June – Open with regularly scheduled Masses and Tours
July and August  - Guided Tours only from 8 am – noon, closed after 12 noon each day
July – All Masses, Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Days of Pilgrimage are cancelled
August – Wed through Fri and Sunday 9:00 am Mass  (no 1:30 Mass, no Sacrament of
Reconciliation and no Day of Pilgrimage)
                      
Museum:
May and June – Open with regularly scheduled times
July and August - The Lower Museum & Theater will be open: Tuesday – Sunday, 8 am – 12noon
                             - The Upper Museum, the White House and the Gift Shoppe will be open
                               Tuesday – Sunday, 8 am-4:30pm

The White House is air-conditioned and is a wonderful reprieve from the heat and also a historical treasure to visit. The house served as the first motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity, and you will find many artifacts from Mother Seton’s era including an early nineteenth-century schoolroom. 

Also please note that the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton recommends the following tips for its visitors during the warm summer months.
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated.
o To accommodate our guests, we have two water refreshment areas on the Shrine’s grounds – one stationed at the Bells near the Legacy Garden and the other at the entrance to the Visitor Center. In these areas, visitors will find cold water to drink, chairs to relax, and fans to cool. The water fountains at the Basilica and Museum are also accessible.
• Take breaks.
o Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Shrine. Rest on one of the benches in the Seton Legacy Garden or visit the historical White House and watch an orientation video about Mother Seton’s life and legacy in the upper museum area.
• Wear light-colored and loose fitting clothing, and wide-brimmed hats to help keep cool.
o Visit the Charity Afire Civil War Museum exhibit and see the traditional habits the Sisters and Daughters of Charity wore in the 1800s.