Who We Are and What We Do
The National Archives is a treasure house of the memory of Canada.
We care for and share millions of documents of all kinds -- films, maps,
diaries, treaties, journals, art, government records, photographs, sound
recordings and more.
Many are of unique value and exceptional beauty. Some are centuries old. All
reveal how we have lived in this place called Canada and enable Canadians to
better understand the story of their country and of their fellow citizens.
Through its services to researchers and government, its exhibitions and other
initiatives, the National Archives of Canada seeks to connect Canadians to the
sources of these stories.
Our Mission
- To preserve the collective memory of
the nation and the government of Canada, and to contribute to the protection of rights and
the enhancement of a sense of national identity:
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by
acquiring, conserving and facilitating access to private and public records of national
significance, and serving as the permanent repository of records of federal government
institutions and ministerial records; |
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by
facilitating the management of records of federal government institutions and ministerial
records; and |
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by
encouraging archival activities and the archival community. |
Government Records
- Each year the Government of Canada
produces and receives millions of documents related to the business of government. Part of
the National Archives' mandate is to facilitate the effective management of these
documents, to determine which of their vast number are of archival value, and to preserve
those documents. By law, government and ministerial records cannot be destroyed without
the consent of the National Archivist.
The government historical records holdings comprise over 102,000 linear metres of textual
records, maps and photographs; 19,000 master negative microfilm reels; and more than 2,000
data files. They document all aspects of Canadian history from the eighteenth century to
the present.
The National Archives also provides
advice on standards and practices for the management of information, as well as direction
and assistance in planning the disposition of institutional records.
Private Collections of
Textual Archives
- The National Archives has some 10,000
private collections of unpublished records in textual and electronic format - some very
small and some very large. These holdings provide valuable insights into the
patterns and
activities of a growing diverse and flourishing society. Included are archives left by
prime ministers and other politicians, poets and artists, business leaders, scientists and
teachers, public servants and military leaders. Also included are papers relating to
religious groups and native and multicultural communities. These papers, dating from the
fifteenth century to the present, document every facet of Canada's colourful and
fascinating history.
Documentary Art
- The Archives' collections of
documentary art encompass a large variety of subjects relating to Canadian history and
social development, and includes portraits; landscape, cityscape and architectural views;
and costume and commercial designs. The program covers work done in Canada by Canadians
and others, as well as work done by Canadians abroad.
With approximately 340,000 items, the
holdings include original works of art on paper, canvas and other materials - including
30,000 caricatures and cartoons from the eighteenth century to the present. Printed materials in the collection include original and reproduction prints,
posters, postcards, greeting cards and photoprocess prints. Medals, political buttons,
seals, heraldic devices and coats of arms, illustrated books, broadsides with pictorial
inserts, and publicity materials are also in the holdings.
Philately
With approximately
1,000,000 items, the philatelic
collections are composed of postage stamps and related materials,
including all aspects of original stamp design up to final production;
postal stationery; selected postally used covers; cancellation proofs;
philatelic labels and revenue stamps.
There are also a
number of related archival collections in various media (e.g. photographs,
manuscripts and papers, maps, broadsides, circulars, posters, etc.) which
document the history of the postal service and the hobby of stamp
collecting in Canada.
Finally, a
comprehensive philatelic library helps researchers to better understand
the many facets of Canadian and world-wide philately and postal
history.
Photography
- The photographic document, whether it
was made one hundred years ago or last week, conveys essential, often unique information,
not only about a specific location, event or person, but also about the culture that
fashioned it.
Numbering more
than 21,200,000 items, the Archives' photography collection includes daguerreotypes,
ambrotypes, tintypes and other unique photographic objects. The bulk of the collections
are black and white and colour negatives on paper, glass, celluloid and plastic bases.
Photographic positives include single prints, photographic albums, contact sheets and
transparencies, books with original photographs, and photographic postcards.
Audio-Visual Materials
- The Archives acquires and conserves
all forms of moving images and recorded sound of national historic significance produced
by government departments, film and broadcasting companies, corporations and individuals.
Ranging from documentary to drama and from
current affairs to popular entertainment materials, the audio-visual collection serves as
one of the country's richest sources of national memory. The collection encompasses more
than 340,000 hours of film, video and sound recordings.
Maps and Architectural
Holdings
- The Archives has a collection of well
over two million maps, charts, atlases, globes, architectural and engineering drawings,
blueprints and plans.
Cartographic
holdings range from Ptolemy's atlas of 1490 to the most recent maps published by
government and private industry. These records document numerous themes in Canadian
history, including telecommunications, the exploration of the North and historical and
current demographic movements.
Architectural and engineering
collections range from early plans of fortifications in Canada to blueprints for modern
buildings of national significance.
Conservation of Documents
- The Archives develops and applies
specialized methods for maintaining records, preventing their deterioration, and restoring
those that have been damaged. Research on conservation methods provides a better
understanding of how records deteriorate, how further deterioration can be prevented, and
how deteriorated records can be most effectively restored.
Assistance to the Archival
Community
- In addition to its responsibilities
towards the Canadian public and the federal government, the Archives participates in the
development of the milieu in which it is an active partner, that is, the national and
international archival community.
As a member of this community, the Archives contributes to its evolution and
collective progress by sharing with the community its professional and technical
expertise, and through the services of its information and documentation centre on
archives.
Using the Archives
- The Archives' collections
are available not only to historians and scholars, but to the general public.
Staff members are on hand to respond to research requests between 8:30 a.m. and
5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, except on statutory holidays. The main reading room
is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. A pass, which can be obtained
during regular office hours, is required for use of the reading room and many
other facilities. The main exhibition room is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Archives also operates an extensive animation and education program that often
complements the exhibitions. Admission is free.
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