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ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART

Academy of the Sacred Heart; 1900?; 36th & Burt


The Sacred Heart Convent was opened in 1882 on the corner of 36th & Burt streets. In 1904, the Sisters of Mercy assumed operation of the school.

36th & Burt after 1913 tornado


The Easter Tornado on March 23, 1913, caused such extensive damage to the original structure’s north side that plans were made to level it. Concerned citizens stepped forward and the building was repaired. In 1915, the school added college courses and renamed itself Duchesne College and Convent of the Sacred Heart. The Academy is named for Mother Philippine Duchesne a French nun and member of the Order of the Society of the Sacred Heart whose educational mission she brought to the United States. The college closed in 1968 and the institution was called Duchesne Academy.

Text written by Lynn Sullivan, November 2003