Notre Dame Academy and Convent facts for kids
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Notre Dame Academy and Convent
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 Location in Nebraska
Location in the United States
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| Location | Omaha, Nebraska |
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| Built | 1926 |
| Architect | Matthew Lahr, Carl Stangel |
| Architectural style | Italian Renaissance Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 98000192 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 5, 1998 |
| Notre Dame Academy | |
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United States
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| Type | Roman Catholic school |
| Established | 1925 |
| Closed | 1974 |
| School district | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha |
| Number of students | 400 (peak; 1964) |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic church |
The Notre Dame Academy and Convent is a special historic building in Omaha, Nebraska. It's located in the Florence neighborhood. This building is important because it was once a school and home for the Czechoslovakian School Sisters de Notre Dame. They were a unique group of nuns in the United States. From 1925 to 1974, it was a high school for girls. In 1998, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
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A Look Back: The History of Notre Dame Academy
In the late 1800s, many Czech people moved from Europe to the United States. They often created their own neighborhoods. These areas had Czech-language shops, banks, churches, and schools. The Czechoslovakian School Sisters of Notre Dame came to the U.S. to help these immigrants. They taught the Czech language and culture.
The Sisters bought a place called Seven Oaks Farm. This farm was the first location for Boys Town. After this, the Sisters often worked as staff members at Boys Town.
Building Design: How It Was Built
Omaha architects Matthew Lahr and Carl Stangel designed the convent and school in 1924. They were inspired by the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition. The building has an E-shape. It was built in different stages over 26 years. All parts followed the original plan. Its style is called Italian Renaissance Revival.
The Girls' School: Notre Dame Academy
The Notre Dame Sisters ran and staffed Notre Dame Academy. It was a high school for girls from 1926. In 1974, it joined with Rummel High School. Together, they formed the school known today as Roncalli Catholic High School.
Today: Seven Oaks of Florence
In 1997, the Sisters of Notre Dame changed what the property was used for. They reopened it as "Seven Oaks of Florence." This building now provides affordable housing for older adults. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development helps to pay for this housing.
