Interest in journalism finds love of history

John LeDoux, new archivist and records manager for the Green Bay Diocese, didn't plan on an archival career when he enrolled in college.

"I was going to be a reporter," he explained. "I studied mass communications as an undergraduate, but I discovered that my first love was history."

LeDoux's historical interests would take him on a journey of positions in archives in Minnesota, Iowa, Kentucky, North Carolina and Wisconsin. Moving around is the nature of the profession, said LeDoux, a graduate of St. Cloud State in Minnesota.

"It's not uncommon in this field," he said. "Jobs are few and far between. Some are small operations so you look to advance. Some positions are grant positions so they only exist for a couple years. I feel lucky to have had some good opportunities."

LeDoux, who previously served as the archivist at Marquette University in Milwaukee, said he is looking forward to the challenges of managing the records of the diocese.

The archivist is in charge of the official records for the diocese, from parish historical documents to diocesan legal papers. Requests for baptismal records are common.

"I enjoy the variety of the job," he said. "I like working for a Catholic institution with a family environment."

"John comes to the position with excellent qualifications and recommendations," said Sr. Mary Bride Grubbs, ANG, chancellor of the Diocese of Green Bay. "John has a gift for seeing the big picture. He has already reviewed all the files and box upon box of materials. He is an extremely competent archivist and excellent worker.

"I am confident that the qualities that John brings to the service of the church in his role as diocesan archivist will bring us a long way in the continued development of our archives," she said.

When reflecting on his previous work, LeDoux said that technology is the only aspect of archives that has changed.

"It has stayed very much the same," he said. "It is still appraising, arranging and organizing records or papers in your charge. The methods have changed. You now may do a photo exhibit electronically unlike in the past, but the nature of the mission remains the same."

LeDoux, the father of three, a son, Michael, and twin daughters, Heather and Kelly, is currently commuting from Wauwatosa, Wis. He and his wife, Margaret, plan to relocate the family to the Green Bay area at the close of the school year. In his spare time, LeDoux, a native of Worthington, Minn., enjoys songwriting, movies and spending time with his family. He also is a football fan.

"I'm a Vikings fan, but I do like the Packers," he said. "I always cheer for the Packers unless they're playing the Vikings."

LeDoux succeeds Sr. Ella Kaster, CSJ, who retired as diocesan archivist in September of 2000.

Kris Matthies also assists parttime in the Archives.