Join the Historic Trust this Special Saturday to celebrate Mother Joseph’s 198th birthday!

When Mother Joseph arrived in Vancouver in 1856 she encountered a new world. There were no hospitals, few schools and few charitable services for those suffering the misfortunes of life on the frontier. Equipped with simple tools, a talent for creating and building and a deep faith, Mother Joseph and the Sisters of Providence, stepped in to fill these unmet needs. Under Mother Joseph’s leadership the Sisters of Providence build more than 30 schools, hospitals and homes for orphans, the elderly and the sick in the Pacific North West. The Providence Academy is the first of Mother Joseph’s building projects.

Activities include:

• “Basement to Bell Tower Tour” of Providence Academy. On this 60 minute tour you’ll hear stories about the history and construction of the Providence Academy, and learn about the Academy foundress, Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart–a distinctive leader in early Northwest history as well as a woman of extraordinary compassion and vision.
• “Meet the Alumni”: For over 100 years, Providence Academy served as a school for thousands of both local and boarding students. Graduates of Providence Academy will be on hand to share their stories of learning, living and playing at Providence Academy.
• “Mother Joseph’s 198th Birthday Food Drive” benefiting Share’s Backpack Program. Each week Share provides up to 650 backpacks filled with healthy, kid-friendly food to kids at 70 local schools. Help us carry on Mother Joseph’s tradition of caring for those in need by bringing shelf-stable, protein-rich food items to donate.

Parking: Guest parking is at the East entrance, located off of Evergreen Blvd.

Recommended Age: 10 years old to adult

Cost: FREE courtesy of Special Saturday Sponsor Columbia Credit Union

Reservations: Encouraged and are limited to one household per tour with a maximum of six individuals per household. Make a reservation by clicking the button below.

Other Considerations:

-The 60 minute “Basement to Bell Tower Tour” includes walking up and down four flights of stairs. An elevator is available but is limited to no more than one individual at a time.

-Masks are mandatory for all guests, staff, volunteers and docents.

-Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the building.

-Please practice social distancing during your tour.

Presented by Columbia Credit Union.