St. Joseph's College and Mother Seton Shrine

St. Joseph's College and Mother Seton Shrine is a Catholic education center spread across 107 acres with a basilica, historic buildings, and museum spaces. The complex preserves original structures from the 18th and 19th centuries where Elizabeth Ann Seton lived and established the first school for girls.

Elizabeth Ann Seton founded St. Joseph's Academy in 1809, creating the first free Catholic school for girls in the United States. This establishment marked the beginning of organized Catholic education for women in America.

The shrine honors Elizabeth Ann Seton, the founder of the first free Catholic school for girls in America. Visitors can see the rooms where she taught and lived, and experience how daily life unfolded in the early 1800s.

Visitors should plan for adequate time to explore the various historic buildings and view the permanent exhibition with documents and personal items. A visitor center provides orientation and guided tours of the residences are offered regularly.

The Stone House from 1750 and the White House from 1810 still stand today as original homes of Elizabeth Ann Seton. These two buildings give visitors a direct sense of how the founder lived in her time.

Location: Emmitsburg

GPS coordinates: 39.69440,-77.32190

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:06