Biography of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Change of Tide
After the death in 1798 of William Seton, Sr., Elizabeth's father-in-law, responsibility was thrust on her husband for both the family business and the welfare of his younger half-siblings. About six months pregnant with her third child at the time, Elizabeth managed the care of both families in the Seton household. There she enjoyed her initial teaching experience with her first students, Charlotte (1786-1853), Henrietta (Harriet) (1787-1809) and Cecilia (1791-1810), her youngest sisters-in-law.
During their monetary crisis, Elizabeth tried to assist her husband at night by managing the accounting for his firm, but the Company went bankrupt in 1801, and the Setons lost all their possessions including the family home in lower Manhattan. William Magee Seton began to show signs of tuberculosis as their financial problems escalated.
We offer additional resources to learn more about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in the Seton Heritage Shoppe, such as the exclusive book Elizabeth Bayley Seton 1774-1821 by Annabelle M. Melville: “During these first years of marriage Elizabeth Seton had changed from an emotional, untried girl in her teens to a mature, courageous woman.”
Biography of
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Upcoming Events
Emmitsburg Community Day
On Saturday, June 30, from 9 am to 5 pm, Emmitsburg will celebrate its annual Community Day. This year, the Shrine will hold the Seton Heritage Expo on our grounds. The event will feature Civil War reenactors, heritage demonstrations, living historians tours, children’s activities, and more. Read More
Songs from the Camps, A FREE Civil War Picnic Concert
The distinctive down-home sounds of banjos, fiddles, tambourines and mandolins, which entertained soldiers on the battlefield camps, will fill the air on Sunday, July 8 at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton as two Civil War era bands perform a FREE picnic concert on our grounds. The concert will feature the Hancock String Band and the 2nd South Carolina String Band, both acclaimed for playing authentic Civil War era music. Read More
Annual Seton Legacy Classic Golf Tournament
Are you ready to play some golf, socialize with local VIPs and businesses, and just have some good-hearted fun! Join us on Sunday, June 24 at 1:30 pm at The Links at Gettysburg for our annual Seton Legacy Classic golf tournament. Read More
Civil War Tours
Take a guided tour to learn how the the Sisters and Daughters of Charity served the soldiers during the war that divided our nation, and visit the site where Union officers conducted a war council to prepare for the battle of Gettysburg. Read More
News & Events
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! Read More
