Knights of Columbus Archives

The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council Archives preserves the history of the Knights of Columbus.

The Archives is located in the Knights of Columbus Museum at One State Street in New Haven. Its collection includes correspondence, pamphlets, publications, programs, newspaper clippings and books relating to the history of the Order. While the collection focuses on Supreme Council activities, it also contains material relating to state and local councils.

Following are some of the topics and documents found in the Archives:

World War I Record Group

The War Activities files offer a look at the military camp work of the Order during World War I. Included is an October 1917 article (pdf, 2.6MB) from The Columbiad, precursor to Columbia magazine, regarding the efforts of the Knights of Columbus War Committee.

Oregon School Case Record Group

These files document the Knights' efforts to defeat an Oregon state law that would have forced parents to send their children to public schools. A June 3, 1925, letter (pdf, 603k) from Oregon State Deputy P. J. Hanley (1922-25) rejoiced in the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that affirmed a parent's right to choose Catholic education for his child.

Mexican Persecution Record Group

From 1926 to 1937, the Knights of Columbus protested the persecution of Catholics in Mexico. The Archives include a Jan. 7, 1935, letter (pdf, 1.5MB) from Archbishop Leopoldo Ruiz, apostolic delegate to Mexico, to Supreme Advocate Luke E. Hart.

McGivney Record Group
Material relating Father Michael J. McGivney, the Order's founder, includes a Feb. 8, 1886, post card (pdf, 228k) from Father McGivney to William M. Geary, an incorporator of the Knights of Columbus.

Bogus Oath Record Group

The "Bogus Oath," falsely attributed to the Fourth Degree, was an example of persistent anti-Catholicism. Included in the Archives is a March 1915 article from The Columbiad (pdf, 1.8MB) on the Commission on Religious Prejudice established by the Order in 1914 to expose anti-Catholicism.

Other Materials

The papers of the supreme knights and other Supreme Officers, the proceedings of the Supreme Council and its publications form the core of the collection. Items produced by the Order's Catholic Information Service are included, as well as material on the Catholic Church and the papacy, especially in relation to the Knights of Columbus.

The Columbus Library includes more than 400 volumes about Christopher Columbus and related topics such as the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the 1992 Columbus Quincentennial.

Access to the Archives is available by appointment and with the permission of the Archivist. Some materials are restricted. Contact the Archivist for more information.