Noted Catholic School Graduates
How to Help or Receive Help
Spiritual & Social Healing
Previous Catholic Impact
Clergy Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse of Minors
Mass of Installation
Carroll Media
Canonical Services/Tribunal
Cultural Diversity & Outreach
General Counsel/Chancellor
Priesthood Vocations
Secretariat for Communications
Secretariat for Pastoral Ministry and Social Concerns
Special Needs Ministries
Youth Ministry & CYO
2008 Papal Visit
First Synod of the Archdiocese of Washington
Archdiocese of Washington 75th Anniversary
Home /About Us/Contact Us/Archives
The Archives of the Archdiocese of Washington is the official repository of Archdiocesan records, history and memorabilia associated with the historic heritage of the Archdiocese of Washington. Please read the information below carefully, particularly if you are seeking sacramental, ordination or school records, or are conducting genealogy research.
What Time Period Does the Archives Cover?
While the Archives includes some older materials, most of its records begin in 1939, when the District of Columbia was separated from the Archdiocese of Baltimore to establish the Archdiocese of Washington. In 1948, five Maryland counties – Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Mary's – joined the District as part of the Archdiocese of Washington.
Parish History and Memorabilia
Parishes located in the Archdiocese of Washington are asked to send commemorative books, histories, building plans, etc. to the Archives so they may become part of the permanent collection of the Archdiocese of Washington.
Certification of Ordination
Priests and deacons who were ordained in and for the Archdiocese of Washington, as well as religious order priests and deacons ordained within the Archdiocese of Washington and who need certification of their ordination, should request the information by letter. Send to: Archivist, Archdiocese of Washington, PO Box 29260, Washington, DC 20017-0260.
Funeral records may note the site of burial. Otherwise, all burial records are kept at the individual cemetery office. Please check with the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Washington.
Sacramental and Funeral Records
Sacramental records, such as baptism and marriage records, are NOT kept in the Archives. These records are maintained in the parish where the sacrament was administered. Please note that sacramental record books are not open for review; however, individuals may request a certified copy of a sacramental record. Please mail or fax a completed Sacramental Request Form to the parish where the sacrament occurred. If you are planning to marry, please request a copy of your baptismal record as early as possible.
Records of sacraments administered on United States military bases, even those located within the Archdiocese of Washington, are maintained by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
Please contact the school for your records. If you attended a Catholic school located in the Archdiocese of Washington that has closed or merged with another school, please check this list for the location of the records.
With the exception of sacramental records kept at the parishes, the Archdiocese of Washington does not have census, birth and death or other similar records on individuals. We encourage those searching their family history to contact the following sources:
District of Columbia Dept. of Health, Vital Records Division
Maryland Hall of Records
Maryland Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene Vital Statistics Administration
United States Archives
United States Bureau of the Census
United States Library of Congress
Other Catholic History Resources in This Region
Associated Archives at St. Mary's Seminary and University
Catholic Historical Society of Washington: preserves the religious and cultural history of the Archdiocese of Washington; has meetings and publications: 202-667-5876
Catholic University of America Libraries
Georgetown University Libraries
If you are a researcher and would like to request an appointment, or have further questions please contact Stephanie A.T. Jacobe, Ph.D., Director of Archives, at 301-853-5316.