LEWISTON — The Center for Wisdom’s Women, a weekday drop in center for women in downtown Lewiston, will hold a special presentation on the History of the Healy Asylum on Thursday, Jan. 12. Marguerite Stapleton will offer the program beginning at 10 a.m.

Marguerite’s recently published book, “A Ministry of Healing, A Lifetime of Caring,” tells the story of St. Mary’s Health System, which was founded by The Sisters of Charity of St. Hyacinth. One of the early works of the Sisters was an orphanage for boys, located in what was then called the Healy Asylum. On the corner of Bates and Ash streets, the orphanage opened in Nov. 1888 and closed May 31, 1973.

The building, later known as the Intown Manor, has been recently renovated. The renovations plans included attention to the details of historic preservation. A project of Lewiston Housing Authority, it is reopening soon as Healy Terrace. The 32 new apartments will provide low income housing for seniors.

The Center for Wisdom’s Women is in an adjacent building that was originally the laundry for the orphanage. The Sisters of Charity, along with the Daughters of Wisdom, who founded the women’s center in 1999, are both major supporters of the center.

The presentation is open to the public and will take place in the Center for Wisdom’s Women, between Pine and Ash streets, at 97 Blake St. Parking is available in the lot just inside the complex. Copies of Marguerite’s book will be available for purchase.