Fr. Martin L. Smith, O.S.A., is the curator of the Augustinian Heritage Room, located in the ground floor of the Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery on the campus of Villanova University. This room, which is filled with Augustinian artifacts, presents a compelling overview of the history of the Augustinians in the United States. It documents the time period from 1796, with the arrival of Matthew Carr, O.S.A. and the founding of St. Augustine's Church in Philadelphia, to the 1874 decree for the foundation of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. The Heritage Room provides the entire Villanova University community and its visitors with a great opportunity to discover the roots and present-day work of the Augustinian friars.
The Heritage Room is open by appointment. Contact communications@augustinian.org to inquire about a guided tour.