Genealogy

The ability to trace your family history though Catholic records is a valuable resource that perpetuates faith being passed from one generation to the next.

The Office of Archives and Records provides in-house research services for all genealogical records requests. There is a $15 fee per request, and they are generally completed within 4 to 8 weeks. Click the link below to submit your request.

If you have outstanding requests, please do not submit additional requests.

Genealogical research request form

 

Click the links below to browse a list of the Office of Archives and Records's holdings.
Cemetery records
Orphanage records
Sacramental records

For us to begin researching your request, you will need to have dates of birth, dates of marriage, dates of death, and church the sacrament took place at. If you're not sure of the church, you must provide a ward or residential address at time of the sacrament. We recommend the links below to assist in your research:
New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries
New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries manages twelve Catholic cemeteries in New Orleans:

• St. Joseph Cemetery No. 1 and No. 2
• St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3
• St. Patrick Cemetery No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3
• St. Roch Cemetery No. 1 and No. 2
• St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery No. 1 and No. 2

Their website contains a burial records search and maps for the cemeteries listed above.
Louisiana Vital Records Index
A database of vital records maintained by the Louisiana Secretary of State. Some of the records are digitized on FamilySearch:

• Death records and certificates, 1819–1954
• Marriage ledgers and certificates, 1870–1969

The rest can be ordered from the Louisiana State Archives. If you're seeking a marriage record from the Archdiocesan Archives, try to obtain a copy of the marriage record from the state first, which sometimes lists the priest who performed the ceremony.
Justice of the Peace Marriage Index
An index of Orleans Parish civil marriage records, 1846–1880, held by the New Orleans Public Library. Those records can be viewed on FamilySearch here and here.
The New Orleans Cemetery Database
A searchable database of The Historic New Orleans Collection's Survey of Historic New Orleans Cemeteries.
Tombstone Index
The Louisiana State Museum Historical Center's Tombstone Index was compiled from information on tombstones in the 1930s. The cards were microfilmed and are now searchable on FamilySearch.
Louisiana Biography and Obituary Index
The New Orleans Public Library's reference to obituaries and death notices published in New Orleans newspapers from 1804–1972.
Identifying Your Catholic Ancestors
A presentation about researching your New Orleans Catholic ancestors, created by the Office of Archives and Records and New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries. The material was part of a 6-week webinar hosted by the New Orleans Public Library.
Guide to  Genealogical Materials
A guide to the genealogical holdings of the New Orleans Public Library's Louisiana Division.
Catholic Research Resource Alliance
Contains digital collections and newspapers from several archives throughout the United States.
Find a Grave
A public database of cemetery and burial information. Information on this website is provided by the public and should not be relied on for accuracy; it is helpful for quick-reference searches.
The Official Catholic Directory
Lists institutions, parishes, and clergy by U.S. diocese; published yearly.