Catholic Diocese of Spokane

ARCHIVES

Archives & Collections

About the Archives

The Archives is located in the Catholic Diocese of Spokane Chancery Building, situated at 1023 W. Riverside Avenue, Spokane, Washington, next door to the cathedral. The archives facilities preserve records and artifacts, and are closed to visitors except by appointment with the archivist or chancellor. The Archives maintains a small library, diocesan documents, and a wide range of sacred items and artifacts from the Diocese. Reference materials include the annual Diocesan Directory and the Catholic Inland Register, with volumes from 1919 to the present.

Hours of Operation

Between August 2012 and June 2013 the archive’s hours shall be irregular, as Dr. Clark will be conducting research away. Fr. Caswell will be able to answer questions between those months.

Please contact Fr. Mark Pautler, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Spokane, if you have a pressing request. Fr. Pautler’s office number is (509) 358-7336.

Mailing Address:

        Anthony Clark, Ph.D.
        Fr. Thomas Caswell
        Catholic Diocese of Spokane Archives
        P.O. Box 1453
        Spokane, WA 99210-1453

Mission

The mission of the diocesan Archives is to gather, preserve, and share the history and heritage of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington.

The primary responsibility of the Archives is to preserve the administrative papers and historical documents of the bishops of the diocese, including diocesan secretariats and offices.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 parishes, records of diocesan organizations, a Catholic history reference library, Catholic heritage histories, videotapes/audio tapes/DVDs relating to the diocese and the faith, the Catholic Inland Register, sacramental records, 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 archive is open to researchers interested in Roman Catholicism and the history and heritage of the diocese. History-minded individuals and students from nearby colleges and universities are especially invited to access the collection. Appointments are necessary to assure that schedules enable the archivist to be available for assistance.

To obtain further information about these services and to schedule programs or visits, call (509) 358-7349.

Genealogy Research

The Archive houses microfilm copies of the sacramental records of the parishes within the Diocese of Spokane. Only records older than 70 years are open for genealogy research. Requests for genealogy research may be made to the Archivist.

For more-complete information about the sacramental records maintained by the Archives and the rules/guidelines for accessing any of the archive’s records, please contact the archivist.

Donations

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.