About Us

The prime objective of the Office of Archives and Records Management is to serve the administrative needs of the diocese. We also strive to promote a wider understanding of the Roman Catholic Church by making some of its archival holdings accessible to the general public. Professional archivists and trained staff identify, collect, preserve, and make available non-current records of permanent and historical value. Our holdings include administrative, legal, fiscal, and canonical records of the diocese, as well as records of other institutions, personal papers, and publications that document the history of the Roman Catholic Church within diocesan boundaries.

The Diocese of Charleston archives span from 1727 to the present and include the records and papers of the thirteen bishops of Charleston. Other records pertain to the chancery, parishes, clergy, men and women religious, laity, schools, cemeteries, hospitals, social services, buildings, and properties. The Office of Archives and Records Management also collects records of institutions, personal papers, and manuscript materials documenting the history of Catholicism within the boundaries of the Diocese of Charleston, as directed by our Collection Development Policy.

In addition to original materials, our office also maintains a small library of reference works to support research in the diocesan archives.