The Archives Department is the central location for historical records relating to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the oldest diocese in Texas. These records, which date from the 1840s, include letters, maps, financial materials, photographs, scrapbooks and albums, sacramental records, and artifacts. We are responsible for collecting and preserving the materials, as well as making them available to researchers. The Archives is also in charge of microfilming for the Archdiocese, and we are the custodian of microfilmed sacramental records. In addition, the Archives is available to consult with parishes or organizations regarding their records.
The Archives encourages donations of materials, especially personal papers, scrapbooks, or photos, which document the history of the Catholic Church in east Texas. The materials will be preserved and made available to scholars and other interested researchers.
The Archives is open to researchers by appointment only, and the use of some collections requires the prior approval of the Chancellor. Please call or email the Archives to discuss your research with the archivist.
Current sacramental records are maintained in the parishes. An individual who needs his/her own sacramental records should first contact the parish for the necessary certificates. Please see the Parish Locator for contact information on the parishes.
The Archives holds the records of the following closed parishes and missions:
Though the Catholic Church has been active in Texas since the 1500s, we have no sacramental records before 1840. While the Archdiocese of Galveston originally included all of Texas, our records cover only the present Archdiocese, as well as some parishes now in the Dioceses of Beaumont, Tyler, and Victoria. These records are open to researchers up to 1920. After 1920, the records are closed except to the person(s) named in the record, and proof of identity must be provided before we will issue a certificate. We do not provide sacramental certificates to genealogists, but we will provide copies of the records (if possible) or transcripts. There is no charge for the research. Requests for records may be submitted by phone, letter, email, or fax. We do not currently have facilities for researchers on site.
Office Location:
Downtown Chancery
1700 San Jacinto
Houston, TX 77002