Old World Architecture

In 1851, Father Franz Rudolph invited Mother Theresa Hackelmeir from Vienna to Indiana to establish a Franciscan convent in Oldenburg, where he hoped to strengthen the area’s Catholic education and community. The convent and academy exerted a shaping influence on the town’s architectural character. A recent grant from Indiana Landmarks will help the Sisters of St. Francis plan renovations at the convent’s historic Mother House.

Constructed between 1879 and 1901, the Mother House serves as both academic space and living quarters for the sisters. With the $2,000 matching grant from our Efroymson Family Endangered Places the sisters will commission a feasibility study to repurpose two floors of the building as living space for retired sisters. Renovations at the Mother House are expected to cost more than $2 million.

The convent continues to play a major role in the Franklin County community, where the sisters provide education, parish ministry, social services, and healthcare. The convent also operates Michaela Farm, a 300-acre farm they have owned since 1854.

Historic structures are central to the operation of the convent and farm. The Oldenburg National Register Historic District includes several buildings constructed by the sisters between 1851 and 1969.