Archive Office of the Archdiocese of Sydney

".... through the diversified history of the community as recorded in the documents (of an archives), the traces of Christ's action are revealed, an action which nourishes His Church as a universal instrument of salvation and inspires her on the path of mankind."
From "The Pastoral Function of Church Archives" 1.2

ABOUT THE ARCHIVES

The Sydney Archdiocesan Archives is located in the Cathedral House building, St Mary's Road, Sydney behind St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney.

Originally a collection stored in the crypt and other offices of the Cathedral, the Sydney Archdiocesan Archives was moved to its present location in 1992.

Cardinal Edward Clancy on 20 May 1993 blessed new Archives building.

Presentation on the place of archives (requires MS PowerPoint)

ARCHIVIST

Pauline Garland
Tel: (02) 9220 0433 | Fax: (02) 9231 1719
Email: archives@archives.syd.catholic.org.au

Postal address:
Sydney Archdiocesan Archives (SAA)
St Mary's Cathedral House
St Mary's Road
Sydney NSW 2000

An early archivist of the Archdiocese of Sydney.

"Immediately after the ceremony (of the Diocesan Synod) His Grace (Archbishop Kelly) handed the keys of the archives of the Archdiocese to the new Pro-Chancellor, Rev James Whyte." This is as reported in the Freeman's Journal of July 31, 1913. Fr James Whyte subsequently became the bishop of Dunedin, N.Z. in 1920.

ROLE OF ARCHIVES

The role of the Sydney Archdiocesan Archives is consistent with the provisions of the code of canon law, relating to the keeping and use of diocesan archives. To make provision for the identification, accommodation, arrangement and description, exhibition, display, permanent preservation and use of the archives of the Archdiocese of Sydney.
(Official policy No 4)

CONDITIONS OF USE BY AUTHORISED RESEARCHERS

• As a pre-eminent Church Archive in Australia with records reaching back to the beginnings of the Catholic Church in Australia there is heavy demand for research access by genuine and professional researchers.
• Use of the Archives is therefore available only by appointment and with prior arrangement with the Archivist.
• To obtain access for research purposes a letter from an academic supervisor or some other person is required to support your request for access and witness to your genuine intentions and proof of identity.
• Your purpose of research must be expressed in writing and be presented as a proposal to support your application for research.
• Researchers are required to sign an agreement of terms for use of the Archives.
• All information is supplied only in response to a written request.

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH POLICY

Sydney Archdiocesan Archives as a Church Archives has the main function of serving the administrative needs of the Cardinal, Bishops and the Agencies of the Archdiocese of Sydney. Subsequently the Sydney Archdiocesan Archives is not available for Family History Research.

However all relevant sacramental registers have been microfilmed within the restraints of legislation and are available for family history research at Society of Australian Genealogists (120 Kent Street Sydney), State Library of NSW and National Library of Australia (Canberra). A Church Archive is neither a public access resource nor a library but has specific and special rules of access and use.

ACCESS TO USE OF ARCHIVES

Use of archives is by appointment only.

COSTS

• For use of archives per half day (unassisted) $15.00
• Assisted / supervised research per half day $25.00
• Research carried out by staff per request (external) $40.00
• Professional Research charge: $55.00 per hour.
• Other Costs:
  • A4 size photocopying: 45 cents per side.
  • A3 size photocopying: 60 cents per side.
  Protracted searches cannot be undertaken by S.A.A. staff.

LINKS TO GENEALOGICAL SITES

Research resources are available only if not available at other family history record deposits.

• Society of Australian Genealogists
• www.sl.nsw.gov.au/family
• www.records.nsw.gov.au
• www.naa.gov.au/ the_collection/family_history.html
• www.familysearch.org
• www.stbedes.melb.catholic.edu.au/home/br/
  This is a site containing all religious sisters (and aspirants etc) who entered the sisterhood from all orders (in Australia) compiled by Br Rory Higgins FSC 1838 to 1918.

Australasian Catholic Directory 1841-1899

The Official year book of the Catholic Church in Australasia called the Australasian Catholic Directory was first issued in 1841. The Sydney Archdiocesan Archives is now making available copies of 29 volumes of this publication on CD as a valuable resource for research and reference.
Cost per copy $175.00. More information & Order form.

CIVIL REGISTRATION

Prior to March 1856 when Civil Registration began in New South Wales all details on certificates were taken from Church registers. If you have a certificate that refers to the "Parish of St James, County of Cumberland", please note that this refers to the geographic area of St Mary's in the colonial period, that is, the central Sydney area: it does not refer to records that are kept at St James Church or to St Mary's Cathedral.
But records sometimes had very little information on them. Parents names are not included on marriage certificates until 1856. Therefore check death certificates if parents names are known they would be included sometimes there. Also could check shipping arrivals for families.

Priests Records

Orphanage Records

School Records are not held by Sydney Archdiocesan Archives but may be found at the Catholic Education Office or the Archives of Religious Congregation of Sisters or Brothers etc. You will find links to some of the Orders (etc.) here: /Links/Religious