First renovations in 40 years to heavily visited Shrine will use innovative and interactive techniques to advance the story of the first native-born American saint.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
WHAT:\u00a0<\/b>Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton broke ground on a $4 million renovation of its museum and visitors center on Friday, June 24th. The new museum will include state-of-the-art galleries, featuring interactive exhibits telling the story of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton from childhood to sainthood. Mother Seton established the first American congregation of religious sisters, the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, in Emmitsburg in 1809, and she continues to inspire people today.<\/p>\n
A modern museum with engaging storytelling techniques will bring new vibrancy to Mother Seton\u2019s message of faith and hope for a new generation of pilgrims. This will be the first significant renovation of the museum in 40 years.<\/p>\n
The plans also call for a reconfiguration of the original provincial entrance into a new visitor center for the 60,000 people who come to the Shrine each year. The Shrine\u2019s unique campus allows visitors to worship in the Basilica, while also touring the grounds and buildings where Mother Seton and her congregation lived. This allows visitors to literally walk in the footsteps of this important saint.<\/p>\n