White House History
The White House is not a replica, but a restoration of the "house in the fields" that was built during the winter of 1809-1810. Mother Seton named this building St. Joseph's House. It was a log building, later faced with clapboard and painted white. The dining room, scullery, and bake room were in the basement, which was at least partly above ground to allow daylight through the windows. Sleeping quarters were on the second floor. Mother Seton and her twelve sister companions, two students, her sister-in-law, and her three daughters—nineteen in all—moved into the White House on February 20, 1810.
The first Mass was celebrated in the White House Chapel on March 19, 1810, the feast of St. Joseph. The chapel was originally one story and built as a "lean-to" addition. The altar, altar rail, folding doors, and fanlight date from Mother Seton's time. The present sacristy was the "Strangers' Chapel." The altar rail was used in the Strangers' Chapel for the laity. Mother Seton may have knelt at the spot indicated, but not at the altar rail in its present location.
Elizabeth Ann Seton requested Stations of the Cross in a letter to George Weis, a friend in Baltimore who lived near St. Mary's Seminary. Medallions of the Stations of the Cross were carved from Meerschaum, the mineral magnesium silicate and which is easily carved, takes a good polish, and used chiefly in pipe bowls. These may be the ones she received at that time. Such medallions were very popular in the nineteenth century.
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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
