The St. Mary’s Academy Heritage Collection (also known as the SMA archives) celebrates the school’s rich history and the enduring legacy of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Spanning artifacts, documents, and memorabilia housed throughout the school, the Heritage Collection serves as a bridge between past and future—honoring the traditions that have shaped the Academy while inspiring generations to come. Rooted in the school’s mission to nurture young women in spirit, mind, and body, this collection reflects the values of faith, leadership, and community that continue to guide SMA today.
Call for Volunteers: SMA Heritage Committee
Are you passionate about preserving the rich history and timeless traditions of St. Mary’s Academy? We invite you to join the newly-formed SMA Heritage Committee and help us celebrate the storied past of SMA while also shaping its bright future. From curating and cataloging our archival collections to organizing special events and oral history projects, there are numerous ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact.
To express interest or learn more, please contact Committee Co-Chairs:
Mary Anne Lovallo (Washchyshyn ’93)
mlovallo@smamb.ca
Sandra Martin (Alwis ’97)
smartin@smamb.ca
From the Archives
The Academy's Footprint on Winnipeg's Landscape
Academy Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba
At 155 years of age, St. Mary’s Academy has grown up with the city of Winnipeg, leaving its footprint on the landscape. Did you know…
Notre Dame Avenue
Named for St. Mary’s Academy, which occupied a site on this street from 1869 to 1903. "Notre Dame" means "Our Lady" in French, referring to the Virgin Mary. In 1959, the eastern portion of Notre Dame was renamed Pioneer Ave.
St. Mary Avenue
In 1870, St. Mary’s Church was established in the chapel of the first St. Mary’s Academy. In 1873, a permanent structure was built further west near Hargrave. The street was named St. Mary Avenue, and remains the location of St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Academy Road
In 1903, St. Mary’s Academy relocated to its current location in Crescentwood on a 15-acre site purchased from W. H. Cornish, on the advice of his agent C. H. Enderton. Enderton suggested naming the street along the north side of the property "Academy Road" (as shown in the letter). Clearly, the Sisters agreed!
C.H. Enderton Letter
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge Sister Mary Gorman '49, SNJM, for her tireless efforts in support of the St. Mary’s Academy Heritage Collection over many years. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our government funders for their generous support, which makes the ongoing preservation and accessibility of this cherished collection possible:
- Province of Manitoba
- City of Winnipeg’s Gail Parvin Hammerquist Fund