Emmanuel College 1919-2019

While Emmanuel College opened its doors for classes on September 22^nd, 1919, its roots can be traced back to 1849, when the first Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur arrived in Boston. They settled on Stillman Street in the North End, before moving to Lancaster Street. Finally, in 1864, the sisters opened the Notre Dame Academy on Berkeley Street. Decades passed. By 1900, with the student enrollment rising every year, the Sisters of Notre Dame realized the school needed more space. So, in 1912, the congregation purchased land on The Fenway. Construction for the new Academy began in 1914.

 The new building was not designed just for the Academy alone, however, but also with the plan to establish the first Catholic women’s college in New England. In 1916, the Academy moved to its new home on the Fenway. Work continued on the building until 1919. Finally, on September 22^nd, 1919, Emmanuel College opened with 27 eager day students.