Municipal Archives; Information on Archival Care

The archives in the municipalities, counties, and districts are responsible for archiving historically significant documents. They ensure the orderly and proper long-term preservation and accessibility of archival materials, as well as their protection against unauthorized use or destruction, through appropriate technical, personnel, and organizational measures. 

Archival records include all documents of archival value—including the tools necessary for their use—that have been generated by government agencies, courts, and other public bodies, or by natural persons or legal entities under private law. Records include, in particular, files, documents, and other individual written materials; maps; plans; image, film, and audio material; other data carriers; and files, including the software necessary for their analysis. Archival records also include supplementary documentation collected by the archives.

Records are considered worthy of archiving if they are of lasting value for scientific research, for safeguarding the legitimate interests of affected parties or third parties, or for the purposes of legislation, jurisprudence, or administration.

Archiving encompasses the task of cataloging, acquiring, permanently storing and securing, preserving, indexing, making available, and analyzing archival materials.

Archival holdings may include, for example, historical official records and administrative files, older records from trade and resident registers, maps and plans, as well as collections of printed materials, photographs, and newspaper articles.

The archives provide information, assist with research, and promote the study of local, county, or district history.

Counties and districts that do not maintain their own archives must offer documents they no longer need to perform their duties to the relevant state archive for transfer.