The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur were founded in France in 1804 by Julie Billiart and Francoise Blin de Bourdon. The congregation's founding vision is the development of a world wide community of women who, through simple and prayerful lives, commit themselves to education and serving others.

In 1849, three sisters came to Boston. Within days they were teaching at St. Mary's in the North End, the only Catholic parish school in Boston. In 1919, Emmanuel College, the first Catholic College for women in New England, was established in Boston by the Sisters of Notre Dame.
In 1900, Sister Superior Julie noted, "the prospect of so many of  us getting old at the same time is reason why such a home should be provided where worn out laborers may retire to take their crowns." Her reference was to Swan's Farm, an estate of 145 acres situated on the border of beautiful Lake Quinsigamond. On February 2, 1900 the deed to the estate was listed in the name of the Sisters of Notre Dame. The Lake, as the farm was called, has been home to sick and aging sisters since the beginning. A large convent was built in 1924. Here the sisters were cared for in a family setting with younger sisters spending a year or two in the care of elders. In the 1960s the addition of a wing, licensed as a chronic care hospital, expanded the scope of service through the hiring of medical personnel. In 1985 the wing was designated as a Nursing Home. In the early 1990s the Nursing Home was replaced by the new Notre Dame Long Term Care Center built on the property.

After extensive renovations the old convent was reopened in October
of 2000 as the Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living facility. Modern design, a flower-filled courtyard and tasteful art throughout the halls add to the sense of welcome. The high quality of care provided makes the center one of the most sought after in the area. Many sisters and residents find a loving and caring home permeated with the spirit of St. Julie.