- Assistant Archivist
- (802) 658-6110 x 1332
Welcome to the Archives of the Diocese of Burlington
Mission
The mission of the diocesan Archives is to collect, organize, preserve and (when possible) make available for research the historical and vital records of the Diocese of Burlington, as well as the materials which reflect the work of the Church within the Diocese to promote an understanding of and cultivate an appreciation for the Catholic Church’s history and heritage in the State of Vermont. In addition to caring for events of the past, the Archives exist to ensure that diocesan acts created today are preserved for future generations.
What are the Diocesan Archives?
The Archives of the Diocese of Burlington contain historical materials pertaining to bishops, the chancery, parishes, diocesan offices, institutions, personal papers, audiovisual materials, and photographs as well as a diverse collection of relics that are available to be borrowed by parishes for veneration.
The Diocesan Archives are a service organization that exist primarily for their institutional usefulness to the administration of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington. Therefore, it is the primary purpose of the archival function to assist the Bishop, Chancery, and all offices and agencies of the diocese with the information necessary to fulfill their responsibilities.
Learn about the history of the Diocese of Burlington.
Office Hours
The Diocesan Archives are staffed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 am to 1 pm.
Please contact the Archives
via email outside regular office hours.
All Diocesan Offices, including the Archives, will be closed on the following
Holy Days and holidays for 2023:
- Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and New Year’s Day (observed): Monday, January 2, 2023
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday, January 16, 2023
- Presidents Day: Monday, February 20, 2023
- Good Friday (offices close at noon): Friday, April 7, 2023
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 29, 2023
- Independence Day: Tuesday, July 4, 2023
- Labor Day: Monday, September 4, 2023
- Thanksgiving: Thursday and Friday, November 23 and 24, 2023
- Christmas Break: December 25 through December 29, 2023
Historic Record Collection
The diocesan Archives serve as the repository for the historical and administrative records of the Diocese of Burlington. These records are arranged in specific collections such as the records and papers of bishops, Chancery offices and consultative bodies, historic records of parishes and schools and sacramental records. Each of these collections contain various records which may include photographs, audiovisual material, printed parish histories, programs from significant diocesan or parish events, maps and blueprints, and artifacts.
Currently, the Diocesan Archives are not open for public research. For more information on the types of records available for research, for specific research questions, or sacramental record inquiries, please contact the Archives directly.
Sacramental Record Collection
The Archives repository makes the heritage of the Diocese of Burlington available for historical researchers within the guidelines of the canon, civil, and diocesan law. The Archives staff views 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 Catholic church in Vermont. The Diocesan Archives does not maintain cemetery records.
We will assist researchers within the constraints of available resources such as financial, equipment, space, and staff.
Personal Records
Genealogy Research
All current sacramental registers are retained at the parish where the sacrament took place. An individual seeking certified copies of one’s own record from an active parish should contact that parish. For contact information for the active parishes of the Diocese of Burlington, visit the parish directory.
Should an individual be unsure of the parish where the sacrament took place, please contact the diocesan Archives.
Though the Diocese of Burlington was established in 1853, sacramental records begin as early as 1830. Individuals seeking sacramental records for genealogical research will not receive certified copies of records. Rather, the Archives staff will provide names, dates, and places where sacraments (baptism, marriage, burials) took place, if the records can be located. A copy of the original record will not be provided.
Orphanage Records Requests
Records of the former St. Joseph’s Orphanage are maintained by the office of Vermont Catholic Charities.
- Former residents or immediate relatives of former residents must make requests in writing and provide a valid photo ID.
- Those seeking orphanage information for genealogy purposes must also make requests in writing and provide a valid photo ID; only entry and/or exit dates relating ancestors to the Orphanage will be provided.
Please carefully review the access policy and procedures for requesting records from St. Joseph’s Orphanage.
Archives Detective
Vermont Catholic Magazine‘s quarterly column
Michaud Memorial Manor was crated from the Triple-L Motel
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Winter 2022 (December 2022)
Our blessing cup – Christ’s blood shared in communion
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Fall 2022 (September 2022)
The Sisters of Mercy in Vermont
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Winter 2021 (December 2021)
St. Joseph’s College – Vermont’s First Catholic High School
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Fall 2021 (September 2021)
Building St. Anthony Church: The French-Canadians in Burlington’s South End
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Summer 2021 (June 2021)
Building St. Joseph Church – French Canadians in Burlington
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Spring 2021 (March 2021)
Remembering Vermont Catholic Schools
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Fall 2020 (September 2020)
In-depth details – St. Mary Convent and School, St. Peter Convent and School, St. Edmund Juniorate, Holy Ghost Convent and School, and St. Stanislaus Kostka School
What’s in a name and why is it written like that?
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Summer 2020 (June 2020)
From the Archives
Look for #FromtheArchives articles in Vermont Catholic Online News and posts on diocesan social media accounts by following @DioBurlington on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Archives Month Vermont Catholic Online News, October 16, 2019
Cause for Celebration: Bishop de Goësbriand to be recommended for sainthood Vermont Catholic Online News, April 17, 2019
A bishop’s request Vermont Catholic Magazine, Summer 2017
A donation of sacred vessels Vermont Catholic Magazine, Fall 2017
Preserving Our Past Vermont Catholic Magazine, September 2016