Our History

For over six decades, Benedictine has been on a transformative journey, guided by unwavering values and a deep commitment to those we serve.

“It takes creativity to take us where we want to go—creativity, ingenuity, and a focus on the people we serve. Our goal is to empower people with disabilities through individualized opportunities. We believe all people have the right and responsibility to actively participate in their communities, now and well into the future.”
Scott Evans
Executive Director

Tracing OUr Roots

From 1890 to 1959 to today

1887
1890
1955
1959
1961
1964
1965
1966
1977
1978
1979
1982
1986
1987
2002
2012
2012
2012
2013
2013
2018
2019
May 19, 1887
Sister M. Dolorosa Berg founded St. Gertrude’s Priory by purchasing the 750-acre Bourne Manor or “Plantation,” one of the oldest colonial estates in Maryland.
1890
St. Gertrude’s Academy for Young Ladies and Little Girls established with 2 female students and operated for 69 years before closing in 1959.
Sister Augustine Kern sitting with three young girls.
September, 1955
Sister Augustine Kern proposed a pilot program for children with special educational needs who were already enrolled in the School.
September 14, 1959
The Benedictine School was established as a private special education school with 17 girls and 2 boys.
January, 1961
With 30 students enrolled in the Benedictine School, the Maryland State Department of Education granted approval for Maryland residents to receive tuition assistance.
March 15, 1964
Groundbreaking of new one-story Benedictine School building for 100 boys and girls.
September 26, 1965
The first lay teachers joined the staff.
May 22, 1966
Sister Miriam Thomas appointed Directress of the School. Sister Thomas engaged community partners on local and state levels to support the School both financially and programmatically.
November 16, 1977
Ground-breaking ceremony on the feast of St. Gertrude for the gym/auditorium/classroom expansion and enclosure of the swimming pool.
April 29, 1978
First Spring Benefit to fund programs and scholarships held at the Tidewater Inn, organized by parents and friends. This event has raised close to $6.5 million to date.
Benedictine's hockey team at the 1979 International Special Olympics.
July, 1979
First Extended School Year Program: 6 weeks in a “relaxed” summer atmosphere. The Benedictine School Poly Hockey Team wins the Gold Medal at the Special Olympics International Games held at the College at Brockport in New York.
September, 1982
First transition home for young men opened in Annapolis.
October 30, 1986
Benedictine Foundation established to raise funds to support Benedictine programs and services, raising more than $50 million since its inception.
Front yard of Benedictine's first group home for adults.
June, 1987
First group home on the Eastern Shore opened for young adults in Easton.
Line of motorcyclists riding under American flag on tree-lined street.
September, 2002
First Chrome City Ride held on campus. To date, the event has drawn more than 15,000 attendees and raised over $2 million.
Sister Mary Agnes holding young boy on her lap.
June 24, 2012
Sister Mary Agnes Dugan, OSB honored as first recipient of the Sister Jeannette Murray Award during the celebration of the Lifetime Achievements of Sister Jeannette Murray, OSB, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Report.
Illustration. People standing next to giant calendar.
July 1, 2012
Year Round Calendar (365) begins with 16 students.
September, 2012
Scott Evans named Executive Director.
March 24, 2013
Opening of Community Services & Training Center in Easton.
June 5, 2013
The Benedictine Sisters transferred ownership of the School to the Benedictine School Board of Directors.
November, 2018
School receives accreditation from the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services.
Celebrating Benedictine. 60 years.
September 14, 2019
60th anniversary celebration year begins. Programs provide educational services and support for over 200 students and adults.

Where it all Began

The Benedictine School was established in 1959 in the rural farming community of Ridgely on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

However, the school’s history dates back to 1890, when the Sisters of St. Benedict began a school for “young ladies and little girls” known as St. Gertrude Academy. The Sisters purchased Bourne Manor and moved their motherhouse from New Jersey in 1887, and Academy classes were held in the former guest house of the Manor. The Academy operated continuously for more than sixty years until decreasing enrollment led the order to consider alternative uses for the property.

Our Building

The Sisters' vision for special education begins to take shape

During the 1950’s, the Sisters recognized the need for a school to train and educate children and young adults with developmental disabilities. In 1955, the Sisters began a pilot program for a group of 12 girls with special needs already enrolled in the Academy; and this program’s immediate success inspired them to continue with a full-time commitment to children with developmental disabilities. The first class of 19 students started in September, 1959. A new School was built in 1964 to meet the needs of the growing population.

Scott Evans looking at a blueprint with Julie Hickey.

Our Growth

Our Adult Services Program takes shape.

Once students graduated from the School program, it became evident that there was continued need for residential and vocational services for them as adults. In 1982, the first residential group home for adults was built by Benedictine in Annapolis. Over the next several years, the Adult Services Program grew with group homes in Annapolis, Caroline and Talbot counties in Maryland, and in Newark and Wilmington, Delaware. An adult vocational program offering day habilitation and supported employment services grew from the vocational training areas initially established for students in the School’s transition program.

Our Legacy

We uphold our legacy with excellence.

Over the years, The Benedictine School and Adult Services have grown and evolved, adapting to the changing needs of the population served. In June 2013, the historic transfer of ownership from the Sisters of St. Benedict to the School’s Board of Directors was completed, marking the first time in Benedictine’s history that executive leadership was in the hands of lay people. However, Benedictine’s commitment to the legacy of excellence and progressive services initiated by the Sisters of St. Benedict over half a century ago will always be in the forefront.