Loreto’s Heritage Gallery is located in the College’s Acacias Building and provides a permanent exhibition for past and present scholars.
The Heritage Gallery displays an extensive collection of archival documents, pictures and artefacts. Loreto College has an extensive archival collection that illustrates the history of the College, since its opening in 1905. This rich and mixed general archival collection includes photographs, personal papers, multimedia, artworks, historic artefacts (pre-2000 school and sports uniforms, drama costumes, school books, projects, school banners, certificates, trophies, awards, personal items used at school, letters and school mementos), and school magazines (pre-2000).
This wonderful collection enables the school to preserve the vision and values of their founders Mary Ward and Mother Gonzaga Barry and celebrate the memory of the early struggles, vision, and commitment of the Loreto Sisters.
Loreto College welcomes donations of archival items within its collection policy, that help illustrate the story of the College. The loan of items that can be copied or photographed, such as photographs, newspaper clippings, school or uniform items are also welcomed. If unsure whether the College will accept a particular item, please contact the College Archivist to discuss. The Archivist is also particularly interested in collecting oral history records to capture memories of school days as a past student, parent, staff member, or friend of Loreto.
In 2013, Loreto launched a book written by Peter Moore, titled The Acacias: Heritage House and Gardens, which gives a fantastic insight into the rich history of this beautiful structure. The Acacias, was originally built in 1875-7 by Dr JM Gunson to the design of Michael McMullen and was bought by Sir Edwin Smith in 1878 who extended it greatly. Smith was a successful brewer, politician and benefactor, being known as the ‘grand old man of Adelaide and was knighted in 1888. The property was bought by Loreto College in 1920.