AGENCY: District Court (Fifth District : Washington County)

SERIES: 23595
TITLE: Naturalization record books
DATES: 1896-1940.
ARRANGEMENT: Chronological by date.

DESCRIPTION: To become a citizen of the United States, an individual normally filed a "declaration of intention to become a citizen" at least two years prior to applying for citizenship. The next step was the naturalization hearing at which the candidate and witnesses either made oral statements or filed written petitions and affidavits attesting to the applicant's character, worthiness to become a citizen, and the validity of statements made to the court. If the judge found the applicant eligible to become a citizen, an oath was administered and the individual renounced his former citizenship. At this point a certificate of citizenship was issued documenting the fact. These volumes contain documentation of the final steps of becoming a United States citizen. They include petitions for naturalization, certificates of citizenship, and accompanying documentation.

RETENTION

DISPOSITION

RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION

These records are in Archives' permanent custody.

FORMAT MANAGEMENT

Paper: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.

Microfilm master: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.

Microfilm duplicate: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.

Microfilm duplicate: Retain in Regional Repository permanently.

APPRAISAL

Historical

This retention reflects a previous decision by the Judicial Council (1983) and the historical value of these records to document the naturalization process.

PRIMARY DESIGNATION

Public

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