Holy Family Conservatory of Music Inc., sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and founded to provide music instruction and performance, will mark its 100th anniversary on Dec. 10, 2025. There are various events planned to mark this milestone.
In September 1925, Sisters Davidica Beschta, Benjamin Eriksen and Celerine Diekemper were sent to live at Saint Boniface Convent to generate musical interest among the students in the school. So many children expressed interest in music lessons that a separate building just for teaching music lessons was urgently needed.
After a search to purchase a new place to teach, the previously mentioned Sisters as well as Cecilia Marie Kalous moved into a large brick home on South 11th Street in the downtown Manitowoc area. Furniture was sparse, but lessons began with just three pianos at the new Holy Family Conservatory of Music. The Sisters used piano benches as tables to eat their meals. In the early year’s music, painting and dance were also taught at the Conservatory.
On Aug. 15, 2013, Holy Family Conservatory moved into the newly-constructed Franciscan Center for Music Education and Performance, located at 6751 Calumet Avenue.
Over the years, more than 13,000 students ages 3-80+ have studied at the Conservatory. Currently, about 150 including children and adults are enrolled at the Conservatory. Musical instruments taught currently and, in the past, include guitar, ukulele, voice, piano, organ, strings, brass, woodwind, percussion, harp, accordion and handbells. Two other special programs offered are Music for Tots™ for children ages 1-5 and Children’s Choir ages 7-13 as well as annual summer Music Camp held in July.
Sister Carol Ann Gambsky said: “We at Holy Family Conservatory of Music are honored to be a contributing organization among the countless number of other people and organizations who support and appreciate the arts in so many various ways.”
For more information about the Conservatory, visit www.hfconservatory.org or call 920-645-6564. Find out more about a Picnic Reunion Event on June 8 here.
