Provincial Archives of Alberta

About

The Provincial Archives of Alberta acquires, preserves and makes available for research private and government records of provincial significance.

Story

The Provincial Archives of Alberta preserves and makes available for research both private and government records of all media related to the history and culture of Alberta, and serves as the permanent archival repository of the Government of Alberta. The Archives ensures a continuity of historical records of Alberta for today and tomorrow, so that the citizens of Alberta can use these records to better understand themselves.

Inside the Provincial Archives of Alberta’s vaults are literally millions of primary sources that document a portion of our province's history, from photographs and audio recordings to government records and maps.

Government Records:
The Provincial Archives of Alberta is the official repository for records of the Government of Alberta and its departments that are of historical significance. The Provincial Archives also collects records from private donors outside of government. Overall, the holdings of the Provincial Archives amount to over 58,700 linear meters.

Private Textual Records:
People from all walks of life provide valuable information about the creation and growth of the unique society which is Alberta, as individuals, and through the organizations they form to carry on their work, their leisure, their political and social concerns, and their religious beliefs. Our private textual records include materials such as:

- Personal letters and correspondence
- Diaries and journals
- Operational records of Alberta businesses, corporations and organizations
- Records and minutes from faith organizations, clubs and community groups

Photographs:
The Provincial Archives houses over 1.845 million photographs documenting Alberta's past and moments both big and small in our history and the history of Albertans. Our holdings include the work of early photographers and studios, government departments, newspapers, and amateur photographers depicting events, activities, communities and family members.

Audiovisual Records:
The Provincial Archives contains over 71,800 objects of audiovisual holdings including film, video and audio recordings. Our holdings include:

- Private home videos
- Government productions
- Feature length films
- Advertising and commercial materials
- Documentaries
- Television broadcasts
- Oral history recordings of pioneers
- Broadcasts, events, and legislative proceedings
- Music

Maps, Architectural Drawings, and Blueprints:
The Provincial Archives holds over 154,000 maps, plans and drawings almost entirely devoted to Alberta. The earliest date from 1770; cumulatively, these maps, plans and drawings chronicle the changing shape and development of Alberta and the west.

Library:
The Provincial Archives' reference library also contains over 14,800 resource library books.

Newspapers:
Housed on microfilm are hundreds of newspapers from communities both large and small tracing events throughout Alberta's history.

Genealogical Sources:
The Provincial Archives holds a number of resources of interest to genealogists, including vital statistics records, local history books, census records, homestead records, ship passenger lists, directories and probate records.