Due to the multiple charities of founder Father Nelson Baker, the shrine is a popular pilgrimage and visitor destination in Lackawanna.

Construction on the basilica began in 1921 after Father Baker unveiled plans at a parish council meeting to build a shrine in homage to the Blessed Mother.

Because of Baker's influence in the community and well-known charitable reputation across the nation, he was able to get sufficient financial support to begin construction quickly.

Baker solicited support for his project, and thousands from across the nation contributed funding both large and small, mostly through a direct-mail fundraising club.

On May 25, 1926, a consecration ceremony took place presided over by Father Baker, Bishop William Turner of the Diocese of Buffalo, and Cardinal Patrick Hayes.

Its copper had turned a greenish hue due to overexposure to the elements (a similar chemical effect as seen on the Statue of Liberty) and was no longer weather tight.

In 2001, a celebration of the National Shrine's Diamond Jubilee and basilica's 75 years in the making was held at the Our Lady of Victory Parish.

On May 26, a special Mass was followed by a dinner party, at which hundreds of dignitaries, clergy members, and friends came together to celebrate the basilica and Father Baker's legacy.

[3] In July 1998, through the efforts of Bishop Henry J. Mansell, it was announced that the remains of Father Baker would be relocated from nearby Holy Cross Cemetery and reinterred in the basilica.

[2] To fulfill Father Baker's wish for the finest materials and workmanship, Ulrich halted all other projects from his architectural firm in Cleveland and spent his time personally inspecting artists' work both in the United States and Europe.

Also at the entrance to the basilica is a domed niche that houses a 12-foot-tall, 16,000-pound (eight tons) statue of Our Lady of Victory, crafted of the finest Carrara marble available.

The largest work of art is the decoration of the Great Dome, 80 feet (24 m) in diameter, which depicts the Assumption of Mary and the Blessed Mother's Coronation.

The two walls on the basilica's sides feature huge paintings depicting scenes from the Gospels: the Massacre of the Innocents, the Flight into Egypt, and the Birth of Jesus at Bethlehem.

These two items, along with the personal coat of arms of a pope, which hangs above the bronze main entrance doors, signify the shrine's Basilica status within the Catholic community.

Baker's remains are in a sarcophagus within the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, found on the southern end of the basilica's transept.

Baker, who had died in 1936,[8] had wanted to find a construction material that was "untouched by humans" to commemorate the vision of the Blessed Mother to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France.

It was Baker's plan to place an angel in every possible sightline, to remind visitors that although the basilica is dedicated to Our Lady of Victory, its main purpose is meant primarily for God's praise and glory.

These altars are dedicated to: St. Patrick, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Mary Immaculate, St. Anne, and St. Vincent de Paul whose life work with the poor and needy inspired Father Baker.

Baptistery: Located adjacent to the main altar, the bapistery features a marble baptismal font, as well as dozens of wall and ceiling paintings with religious symbols and peoples.

Also in the museum are cases of photos, information, and memorabilia from the Our Lady of Victory Institutions, such as the Infant Home, Orphanage, Protectory, and the basilica itself.