St Mary's Doane Academy has roots dating to 1829 when Samuel Gummere built a school for girls on the site. In 1837 the Right Reverend George Washington Doane purchased the school and established St. Mary's Hall. The school is significant for is association with the higher education of women during the 19th century and is architecturally significant for its Gothic Revival architecture. A partial collapse of a foundation wall has focused efforts to preserve the campus buildings. 

The 2005 Trust grant helped fund the preparation of a preservation plan to address needs of the three historic buildings, outline the necessary priorities, and make recommendations for the buildings' preservation. A feasibility study addressed the potential use of the main dining hall for public functions. The 2019 Trust grant helped fund an update to the earlier Historic Preservation Plan.  The 2021 Trust grant will help fund the replacement of built-in gutter and downspout system as well as associated roof repairs at Odenheimer Hall.  

For more information, visit: https://www.doaneacademy.org/about/our-history