Historical Archives
Historical Archives and Artifacts
Historical Archives and Artifacts
Daughters of Charity New Province of St. Louise USA Archives to be Located in Emmitsburg
Four North American provinces of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul merged July 31, 2011 and formed the Province of St. Louise USA with administrative offices located in St. Louis, Mo. The archival collections of the former provinces (Albany, N.Y.; Emmitsburg, Md.; Evansville, In.; and St. Louis, Mo.) will be consolidated in a new 20,000-square-foot facility located within the former St. Joseph’s Provincial House, adjacent to The Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Seton Heritage Center, in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Here, scholars and researchers will find a private collection that establishes a link with the past and contributes to maintaining the continuity of the Vincentian spirit through preservation of the Seton papers, historical records of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s (1809-1849) and the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (1850-Present).The new archives will also house records of the Province of St. Louise.
This history augments an understanding of the life commitment in the past, in eras of transition, and into the future. The cultural aspects of yesterday and today depict the sisters individually and collectively as a community, as well as the tradition and spirit of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Louise de Marillac, and St. Vincent de Paul.
Rev. Simon Gabriel Bruté preserved the Seton papers for posterity and instructed the early Sisters of Charity in their conservation. Thanks to his foresight this valuable collection has been preserved for over two hundred years and is now published in Elizabeth Bayley Seton Collected Writings (New City Press, 2000-2006).
“This Collection of Papers contains a number of important documents for the Early history of the Sisters and of Mrs. Seton . . . they ought not to be destroyed . . . such papers contain occasionally parts, lines, or expressions that ought to remain sufficiently a matter of trust and special confidence, they should be kept locked in a private place, and only a proper person engaged to prepare them for use." Rev. Simon Gabriel Bruté (1834)
The facility will include a state of the art repository, exhibit areas, and a research and reading room. Part of a multi-phase construction project now underway, the archives is expected to be ready for transfer of records in late summer 2012 with opening anticipated in 2013.
For More Information
To view detailed information about the Daughters of Charity archival collection, visit the Library of Congress web page.
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
