Introduction to Archives

Archives are valuable records that tell the story of our past. Archive services in Wales preserve and protect our collective memory, and help us to celebrate our cultural identity. They are the facts, evidence and insights we use to discover, interpret and understand history.

  1. What are Archives?

    We all create records in our everyday lives. Some records are important to us, and we keep them for as long as necessary before they are discarded; some we decide to keep forever, and these become our archives. Organisations, institutions and businesses of all sorts also create records in the same way. Some they keep for […]

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  2. Using Archives (Visiting a Repository)

    Archive services will list most of their archives in online catalogues, or other lists called handlists or finding aids. These will often give you background information about the archive – who created it and why – and describe what’s in it. Each item in an archive, or group of items, will have a unique reference […]

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  3. Depositing your Documents and Records

    Many of the records held by archive services have been donated or deposited by members of the public, businesses, organisations and societies.  They can come in many different formats, for example handwritten on paper, digital records, photographs and audio files. All archive services will have a Collections Information Policy that provides details of the types […]

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  4. Volunteering

    Volunteers play an important role in the work that we do. Whether you have a passion for history, want to improve your knowledge and skills, or simply want to get involved in something worthwhile, volunteering at your archive service is a great way to get involved and make new friends. You can be any age […]

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