Historic Tours
The Ursuline Centre opened its doors in 1912 to 151 students, boys and girls in kindergarten to 8th grade and girls only for High School. The site was located on top of a knoll overlooking the Missouri River and four mountain ranges. Today, the Academy serves as a memorial to the group of Ursuline Sisters teaching order, who influenced many young lives and helped shape the history of Montana.
We have experienced a transformation from being solely an educational institution to our present function as both a Retreat and Conference Center and a Pre-School and Child Care facility for 80 students. The west wing on the 3rd and 4th floors that once housed student-boarders has been converted into overnight accommodations for up to 90 guests per night.
The Ursuline Centre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 and serves as a reminder of earlier days. With historic charm and character, the Centre continues to provide an atmosphere and setting for the spiritual and intellectual renewal and growth for people of all ages.
Visit the Heritage Museum and enjoy a treasury of Native American artifacts, antique furnishings, musical instruments, and more. The museum exhibits tell the story of the Ursuline Sisters and their impact on the Great Falls community. It includes displays of religious artifacts, photographs, and documents that trace the history of the Ursuline Sisters in Montana.
Historic Tours of the Ursuline Centre are available by appointment. While day-to-day operations and scheduled activities do not always allow for walk-in tours, we are happy to schedule guided tours with sufficient prior notice for both groups and individuals. Call or email us at 406-452-8585 or information@ursulinecentre.com to request a tour.
Be a Docent at the historic Ursuline Centre!
Would you like to volunteer to be a docent at the Ursuline Centre? Take part in leading tours of the historic and majestic Ursuline Centre, including many of the historic rooms such as the Heritage Museum and Gallery, the Green Parlor, the Bishop’s Suite, the Chapel, and Mother Raphael’s art classroom and gallery. Training typically takes 4-5 hours, and tours usually last 1-2 hours. Training includes resource materials and books and Ursuline apparel. Call or email us at 406-452-8585 or information@ursulinecentre.com to request more information or to begin your training today!
The Green Parlor depicts the heritage of the Ursuline Centre. This formal parlor with the original green rugs and green sofa reflect the era of civility when callers were entertained with culture and class. Elegant furnishings, a magnificant harp and beautiful pictures from days of yesteryear greet guests as they learn of the history of the Centre.
Ursuline Centre Art Studio
High atop the Ursuline Centre, the fifth story Art Studio showcases the talents of Mother Raphael Schweda who for 50 years taught art classes. As evident from the various pieces of her work that are on display in the studio, not only was Mother Raphael an accomplished painter but she was also a talented sculptor.
Ursuline Centre Chapel
Located on the 3rd floor, the jewel of the Ursuline Centre is the exquisitely beautiful chapel which has graced this historic structure since 1912. The murals of Saint Ursula and Saint Angela Merici, painted on canvas by Mother Raphael Schweda, were hung in 1927.
Ursuline Centre Bishops Parlor
Built for the intended use of visiting Bishops and dignitaries, the Bishop’s Parlor provides a quiet atmosphere with original pictures and bookcases from St. Peter’s Mission. The adjacent bedroom and private bath have been refurbished with several of the original furnishings and beautiful cherry wood dressers. Today, numerous groups rent the Bishop’s Parlor as a charming and special haven for their speaker or leader during their overnight stays.