SMWC Site Named to National Register

(photo courtesy Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College)

The Historic District at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The 67-acre site includes more than 65 buildings, structures and sites, some of which date back to the 1880s.

SMWC says the district is significant because of "its association with events and people who have made important contributions to broad patterns of U.S. history, particularly in education and religion, and the distinct characteristics and high artistic values of architecture at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods." 

The college says buildings on campus such as Guerin Hall, Le Fer Hall, Hulman Hall and the Rooney Library were included in its nomination form submitted to the National Register. Many of the buildings are examples of the Classical Revival, Renaissance and Beaux-Arts styles.

Several religious buildings on the property owned by the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, including the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and the St. Anne Shell Chapel, were also included.

"Historic preservation is important to the human narrative," said SMWC President Dottie King. "Our campus is a picture of our values and a living demonstration of our commitment to honoring the rich legacy we have inherited. We’re excited about the possibilities the new designation creates to raise awareness of the historic impact and beauty of our campus and especially to share this beauty with future generations of students."

SMWC says it began pursuing the nomination in January 2015 and received assistance from Indiana Landmarks’ Partners in Preservation grant to cover part of the technical consultation fee for the nomination.