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In Germany, the federal government, federal states, regional associations, districts, cities and municipalities are obliged to maintain publicly accessible archives. North Rhine-Westphalia has a rich archive landscape. More than 1,000 archives under various sponsorships preserve an important part of the state's historical heritage.

For scientific purposes, for local history questions, to research your own family or to clarify legal issues, you can evaluate archive material in the relevant archive. Archive material can be files, but also maps, documents, photos, films or digital data. Many archives maintain libraries with local and regional historical publications.

Archives index historical documents in databases and directories, which are available in the reading rooms of the archives and sometimes on the internet. The archive staff will assist you with your research. As a rule, documents can only be consulted on site in the reading rooms during opening hours. The valuable documents cannot be borrowed. As a rule, however, reproductions can be ordered. Prior registration may be necessary.

Archive material is usually blocked for 30 years after it has been created. You cannot use it before then. Archive records relating to natural persons may only be used at the earliest ten years after their death. If you cannot determine the date of death or only with unreasonable effort, the retention period ends 100 years after the birth. Under certain conditions, these retention periods can also be shortened on request.

Some archives require the presentation of an identification document. Detailed information on this can be obtained from the respective archive.

Ask the respective archive for further information.

Archives are increasingly offering the option of providing online access to their holdings. Please contact the relevant office for more information.

• Publicly accessible archives at federal, state, regional, district, city and municipal level
• Archives in NRW preserve the historical heritage of the state
• Accessible for various purposes, e.g. for family research, answering historical questions and legal issues
• Archive material can generally be viewed in reading rooms and sometimes on the Internet
• Archive material may not be borrowed, but may generally be reproduced after prior registration
• There are certain embargo periods for archive material