The Archives is located in the Diocesan Center at 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA. The archives facilities include a research room, a sixteen-window display area, and a climate-controlled vault, which provides a secure environment in which to preserve records and artifacts. The Archives houses over 130 collections and maintains a library of approximately 3500 volumes and a wide range of sacred items and artifacts from the Diocese. Reference materials include the annual Kenedy’s The Official Catholic Directory, with volumes from 1890 to the present.
Gather, preserve, and share the history and heritage of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
The mission of the diocesan Archives is to gather, preserve, and share the history and heritage of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg.
The primary responsibility of the Archives is to preserve the administrative papers of the bishops of the diocese, including diocesan secretariats and offices.
The holdings of the Archives include parish histories, historical photographs, records and artifacts of closed parishes, records of diocesan organizations, a Catholic history reference library, Catholic heritage oral histories, videotapes/audio tapes/DVDs relating to the Diocese and the faith, the Catholic Witness on microfilm, parish sacramental records to date on microfilm, and early parish sacramental books.
The Archives, as a ministry of evangelization in today’s Church, promotes the use of its resources to strengthen spiritual lives and provide accurate documentation of the historical Church.
The research room is open to anyone interested in Roman Catholicism and the history and heritage of the diocese. History-minded individuals and students from nearby college and universities are especially invited to access the book collection. Although the research room is open daily, appointments are suggested to assure that schedules enable staff to be available for assistance.
Support and outreach services to parishes are available through parish history research, parish archives workshops, retention schedules for parish records, oral history programs, Catholic heritage displays, and visits by parochial school students to the Archives.
To obtain further information about these services and to schedule programs or visits, call (717) 657-4804, or email the Archives.
The Archives welcomes and encourages donations of books, photographs, sacramental and other sacred items, personal papers, and other materials that document the history and presence of the Catholic faith, particularly within the diocese. Prospective donors should contact the Archives regarding materials to be donated.
The History and Archives Department in the Diocese of Harrisburg is currently being restructured. During this restructuring, we are unable to accept new requests for genealogy records at this time. We hope to resume this service in the future. Please check back to see when genealogy services are again available. Thank you.
Contacts
Archives Hours
Open: By Appointment Only
Closed: Holy Days and National Holidays
