The Academy of the Holy Names, 3319 Bayshore Blvd.
Academy of the Holy Names, 3319 Bayshore Boulevard (multi-story brick), street facade, terrace wall and grounds. 1956. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System
Academy of the Holy Names, 3319 Bayshore Boulevard. 2021 © Chip Weiner
The Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa grew out of efforts by Sisters Mary Augustine and Mary Maurice, Catholic nuns, to establish a convent and school in downtown Tampa in 1881. The sisters fought through disease, anti-Catholicism in the state, and racial tensions as they attempted to build schools for Hispanic and African-American students. A convent and school were eventually opened downtown on Twiggs Street
In 1925, the convent school was renamed the Academy of the Holy Names, and the property on Twiggs Street was sold for an estimated $625,000. They purchased 11 ½ acres on Bayshore Boulevard for their future school that opened in 1929. The school has undergone several transitions and additions, but the façade remains unchanged.
© Chip Weiner. All rights reserved
From Burgert Brothers: Look Again, Vol.2
Plaque describing the history of the Convent and Academy of the Holy Names. 2021 © Chip Weiner
Classroom in Academy of the Holy Names, furnished with desks, blackboard, American flag and religious objects. 1934. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System
Library of Academy of the Holy Names, with bookcases, furniture, card catalog, and religious objects. 1934. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System
Recreation room in Academy of the Holy Names, with furniture, piano, birdcage with bird, radio and religious paintings 1934. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System
Bedroom with furniture, Academy of the Holy Names. 1934. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System