Mary Jane Wilson Museological Nucleus

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Sé

Location:

Situated in the central area of Sé, in Funchal, the Mary Jane Wilson Museum Nucleus is located in the heart of the city, in an area easily accessible on foot for those exploring the urban center. Its position within Sé's urban fabric makes it easy to discover for anyone strolling through the town's historic and busiest streets.

The Legacy of Mary Jane Wilson:

This museum space is dedicated to presenting the remarkable figure of Mary Jane Wilson (1840-1916). An English woman who chose Madeira as her home and became the founder of significant social and religious works on the island. The museum invites visitors to learn about the history of the person who founded the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Victories and left a lasting mark on the Madeiran landscape through her educational and charitable work.

A Journey Through Her History:

The museum nucleus invites visitors on a journey through the life and work of Mary Jane Wilson, organized into five distinct rooms. Each space addresses a facet of her journey, from her personal history and her faith journey, namely her conversion to Catholicism, to the development of her extensive work as a nurse and a promoter of social initiatives on the island. It is possible to understand the evolution of her mission and the impact she had on Madeiran society, particularly her role during the smallpox outbreak of 1906.

Testimonies of a Dedicated Life:

In the different rooms, visitors will find a collection of material testimonies from Mary Jane Wilson's life. Through old photographs and personal objects, it is possible to create a closer connection with her figure. Particular emphasis is placed on a collection of drawings she made in the 1850s, depicting English landscapes and other themes, as well as an approximate reconstruction of an environment that evokes her daily life. These elements help to illustrate her dedication and the context of her actions.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt