Private Records Programs

The Provincial Archives of Alberta collects records that reflect Alberta's history. The Provincial Archives are a 'total archives', not only preserving the documentary heritage of the corporate Government of Alberta body, but also that of individuals, businesses, organizations and associations, and communities of Alberta. The scope and breadth of the acquisitions include personal papers of individuals regardless of background or occupation, and records of business, religious, artistic, organizational, community and cultural life. These areas may document resource development, the petroleum and natural gas industry, transportation, communication, agricultural and urban development, settlement, the field of science, manufacturing, the legal field, military, education, sports and cultural communities and organizations, to list but a few aspects.

The Private Records program is responsible for acquiring audio visual material such as photographs, negatives, slides, films, videos and sound recordings, and also cartographic records such as maps and plans.

Records from local public bodies, the MUSH Sector (Municipalities, Universities, Schools, and Hospitals), are also the responsibility of the Private Records program. These include the records of school boards, health care boards, post-secondary institutions, and municipalities. Although the records created in the MUSH sector are not government records, they are still subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act. Therefore, in order to gain access to these records a researcher must make a formal FOIP request.

To contact a Private Records Archivist, visit our Archivists' Responsibilities page.