Monthly Meeting - GRSNO

Sarah Waits, research archivist at the Archdiocese of New Orleans, will introduce attendees to the Archdiocesan Archives, focusing on the Archives’ vast collection of sacramental records, at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

This event is free of charge and open to the public. Registration is not required.

The Archives at the Archdiocese of New Orleans holds four centuries of records and is a vital resource for anyone researching their family’s ties to Louisiana. Sarah will discuss research methods and share her experience working with sacramental records to create an extensive family tree for Pope Leo XIV, which is now available for viewing as an online exhibit.

Sarah Waits received a Certificate in Archival Studies from LSU, her Master’s degree in history from the University of New Orleans, and a Bachelor’s degree in history and creative writing from LSU. She previously worked at the Amistad Research Center, the National World War II Museum, and the Hermann-Grima and Gallier Historic House Museums.

Waits served as president of the Greater New Orleans Archivists Organization from 2023-2024. She has presented on Catholic archives and research at conferences nationwide and recently received grant funding to scan and index some of the oldest sacramental records in the Archdiocesan Archives related to enslaved individuals. She is a licensed tour guide and enjoys leading history-focused walking tours in the French Quarter.