Archives

Mission of the Archive

The archive provides a repository that identifies and collects, organizes and preserves, and provides access to historically and canonically significant, non-current documents, artifacts, and other works of enduring value pertaining to the operation of the Diocese, its parishes, agencies, institutions, and people. The archive makes available and extends its materials to researchers as permitted by canon law, civil law, particular diocesan law, and conservation considerations.

Administrative Support

The primary purpose of the diocesan archives is to assist the Bishop, Chancery, and all offices and agencies of the diocese with the information necessary to fulfill their responsibilities. The archives contains data on individual parishes and assists parishes with historical information.

History and Genealogy

The archives makes the heritage of the Diocese of Fargo available to historical researchers within the guidelines of canon, civil, and particular diocesan law. The archive staff view genealogical research as a legitimate and important effort in assisting individuals to place themselves and their families within the context of the history of the church. They will assist these researchers within the constraints of available financial, equipment, space, and staff resources.  Sacramental records go back to 1848.  Prior to that the Dakota Territory was served by a variety of missionary priests, many of them came down from Canada.

Finding Family Records 

Certain records, including baptism, marriage, and funeral/cemetery records, are maintained by the parish where the ceremony took place. Please contact the parish for information regarding such records, before contacting the Diocese (use the Parish Finder to locate a parish). If the parish has recently closed, please visit the  Sacramental Records page to determine which parish now maintains the sacramental registers.

Orphanage records of some former Catholic institutions are maintained in the offices of Catholic Charities North Dakota (1-701-356-8020). Contact them for their policy on making records available for genealogical research.