Notre Dame of Elm Grove added to Wisconsin Historical Register
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Notre Dame of Elm Grove, referred to on the preservation application and listing as "Visitation Convent Complex, WI" was officilally listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 25, 2011.
Row 1: Sisters Joanne Armatowski, Mary Alyce Lach and Mary Briant Foley, and Dr. Michael E. Stevens, State Historic Preservation Officer, Wisconsin Historical Society
Row 2: Kay Amland, Sisters Phyllis Marie Grzeczka and Elizabeth Ann Uchytil, and Traci E. Schnell, M.A., Senior Architectural Historian at Heritage Research, Ltd.
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Report I> • Report II> • Report III> • Certificate>
MADISON, Wisconsin – On February 18, 2011, the School Sisters of Notre Dame Convent Complex in Elm Grove, Wisconsin was named to the Wisconsin Register of Historical Places. School Sisters of Notre Dame Provincial Councilors, Elizabeth Ann Uchytil, Joanne Armatowski, Phyllis Marie Grzeczka and Mary Alyce Lach attended the State Historic Preservation Review Board meeting in Madison, Wisconsin along with retired Mount Mary College history professor, Mary Briant Foley, SSND and Kay Amland, Director of Mission Advancement.
On behalf of SSND, Traci E. Schnell, M.A., Senior Architectural Historian at Heritage Research, Ltd. prepared an extensive report. Traci presented the nomination to the Architecture Committee followed by a presentation to the History Committee.
Many of the buildings on the Notre Dame of Elm Grove (NDEG) campus are architecturally noteworthy in that they embody distinctive characteristics of the period and possess high artistic values. The categories include German Renaissance Revival, Classical Revival, and Prairie School. The period of significance for architecture is from 1899-1926.
The complex is also significant historically, meaning the property is associated with events that had a notable contribution to promote the general welfare of society. The campus was historically significant between 1899-1940 for social history, as well as from 1899-1960 for health and medicine. Notable historic functions include the orphanage, hospital and the School Sisters’ commitment to continuous care for its own population, whether it be physical ailment, mental infirmity, or simply old age.
On the 30-acre campus, 11 contributing and six noncontributing resources were registered. They include:
- Seven contributing buildings: Notre Dame Hall (1899), Maria Hall (1921), Andrina Hall (1903, 1933), Mary Basil Hall (1921; chapel expansion, 1959), Boiler House/Caretaker’s Residence (1920), Caroline Hall (1955), Theresa Hall (1959)
- Four noncontributing buildings: Fidelis Hall (1967, bell tower and canopy addition, 1996), Holy Family Chapel (1975), garage #1 (1965), garage #2 (1968)
- One contributing site: cemetery (1853)
- Two noncontributing structures: Gazebo, Utility Shed
- Three contributing objects: (Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto (1926), Grape Arbor (1886), Cemetery Entrance Gates (1920s)
After the presentations were complete, the Full Review Board of the Wisconsin Historical Register gathered to hear the recommendations put forward by the committees. The Board voted unanimously to add the School Sisters of Notre Dame Convent Complex to the register. The meeting ended with a presentation of the property certificate to the School Sisters of Notre Dame who were present.
With the State Register nomination approved, the information was forward to the National Park Service in Washington, D. C. Provincial leader, Sister Debra Marie Sciano, SSND will receive a letter within three to four months to notify her of the national listing of the complex.
The Wisconsin Historical Society Review Board complimented the School Sisters of Notre Dame for their well-maintained campus and thanked the Sisters for their stewardship and care for the property. The Board was impressed with the beautiful details of the buildings, both inside and out, and felt it was a hidden gem within the state. They also shared their gratitude for the huge social impact the School Sisters of Notre Dame have had on society over the years.
Sister Mary Alyce responded to the Board’s comments stating that the beauty of the campus represents the pioneer spirit of the Sisters, and the uniqueness of the buildings represents the uniqueness of the order. After thanking the Board, she invited everyone present to tour the campus.
Listing in the state and national registers provides recognition of SSND’s historic importance, assists in preserving our Nations’ heritage, and assures protective review of projects.