Mother Seton Shrine Grounds 2025

While visiting the Basilica and Museum at The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, I explored the grounds a bit while my wife sensibly stayed indoors and toured the museum exhibits. Unfortunately we visited just after the snows of February 2026 so a lot of things were less accessible than they should have been.

The snowy basilica

When Elizabeth Seton and her companions came to Emmitsburg in 1809, they moved into the Stone House. This was the first home of her newly founded order, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph's (also known as the Daughters of Charity). It was originally a farm house and the group rather quickly outgrew it. The building was not open to visitors on our visit.

The Stone House

A nearby fountain features a statue of Mother Seton with some children, along with quotes from her in the pavement. At least, I was told there were quotes by and about her in the pavement. Not much was visible. On the up side, I did walk on water to get there...frozen water.

The fountain

Several bells used in the area are on display. The Academy Bell was used by Saint Joseph's Academy to summon students (both boarding and day pupils) to classes, masses, and leisure activities all the way up to 1945. The "Dinky" Bell came from a train that brought students, sisters, visitors, livestock, and supplies to Emmitsburg for the congregation. The Seminary Bell was used by the Daughters of Charity for prayer time, meal time, and study time. The bells were all rung in 1963 for Mother Seton's beatification. 

Historic bells

The White House is the first school building set up in 1810 for Saint Joseph's Academy, where the sisters taught. The interior is still decorated with 19th century furnishings, though I was not able to go in. The building is quite large and in great shape.

The White House

The front door

Nearby is the entrance to Saint Joseph's Cemetery where many of the sisters were buried. Mother Seton herself was buried here before her remains were moved to the Basilica. When they selected the site, the area was heavily wooded. Seton's sister-in-law Harriett picked out an oak tree where she wanted to be buried. Sadly, she died four months later. Her wishes were followed. After Mother Seton's death, her son William authorized the building of the Mortuary Chapel in the heart of the cemetery.

Cemetery entrance

Mortuary Chapel

The graves of the sisters

I definitely want to go back at some point and see the insides of the various outer buildings.