The Cardinal Szoka Library does not own genealogical records for the Archdiocese of Detroit.  We do carry some published biographies, Catholic directories, and materials on the history of the Church in Michigan. 

However, if you are seeking parish records, birth certificates from closed parishes, etc. please visit the AOD Archives.

The Library houses a seminary archive.  The archive contains faculty committee records, class photos, ephemera, and the student publication, The Gothic, among other documents. We do not maintain student or personnel records for the seminary.  The archive is closed to the public. Please refer to our Archival Access policy:

The SHMS Archives are a private collection of documents pertaining to the business, financial, and academic operations of  Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Recors formats collected are primarily paper documents, but do include a limited amount of photographs, yearbooks, blueprints, and miscellaneous artwork and liturgy-related items.

An Archivist to oversee the archival collection is appointed at the pleasure of the Rector.  This role is normally filled by a member of the clergy familiar with the history of the institution, who is also a member of the faculty.  The Seminary Librarian helps maintain the condition and access points to the collection as needed. The collection is currently not maintained online due to the classified nature of most of the documents held therein. 

However, an inventory of the collection is maintained and organized in chronological and subject order.  Copies if the inventory are maintained by the librarian and archivist and are not available for public access.

Access

• Limited access to the collection may be provided to researchers requesting 1) statistical data; 2) yearbook information; or 3) documentation on a specific SHMS event.
  
• Faculty, staff, and student records, and all business records are classified and cannot be provided to researchers.
  
• Requests must be made in writing, in advance of access, to the attention of the Seminary Librarian or Archivist. If the request is approved, the material will be pulled.  The researcher will be notified about approval and access.
  
• Materials from the Archive may not be removed from the Ward Library space. Access to materials will be supervised by a staff person.
  
• Photocopying of archival materials is subject to the type and condition of the materials used. Photocopying must also be done by a staff member.
  
• Use of materials in the SHMS archives are subject to natural copyright, and must be appropriately cited in and published or unpublished research.

The SHMS archives are primarily a record of the academic and business history of the institution.  They are not designed to be a "living" archive of peoples and activities.  Any such records of historical importance are delegated to the Archdiocesan Archives

*Policy content has been approved by the SHMS Rector in consultation with the AOD archivist, 12/01.