About our Collections
Descriptions of Records at the City of Edmonton Archives
Civic Government Records
We acquire, organize and preserve civic government records having legal, administrative or enduring historical value. A significant number of these records date from Edmonton's incorporation as a town in 1892. Annual deposits continue to grow as a result of the City's active corporate records management program.
Private Records
Donations of personal records from individuals and businesses ensure that Edmonton's social, political, and cultural history is carefully preserved. We have over 575 private manuscript collections, maintained in various formats: written records, books, maps, plans, photographs, business papers, sound recordings, film and art. Among these are collections from Edmonton Northlands, the XI Commonwealth Games Foundation, entrepreneur Richard Secord, journalist Edna Kells, author and magistrate Emily Murphy and former mayor Ivor Dent.
Still and Moving Images
We have over 250,000 historical photographs dating back to the 1880s. Of these, approximately 3000 were inherited from the Northern Alberta Pioneers and Old Timers' Association. Our slide collection- numbering over 100,000- contains primarily contemporary images. The collection includes negatives, slides, moving images and prints.
City of Edmonton Photo Archives
Aerial Photographs
An extensive collection of aerial photographs of the city (1924-1995) are available for environmental assessments, historical site surveys and private residential research.
Newspapers
Our collection includes the Edmonton Bulletin (1880-1951) the Edmonton Journal (1903-present), and editions of the Strathcona Plaindealer and the Edmonton Capital on microfilm. An extensive collection of newspaper clipping files, dating from the late 1920s, is also available.
Maps and Architectural Drawings
Over 260 current and historical maps of the Edmonton area dating from 1882 provide a unique geographic guide to Edmonton's development. The collection features more than 19,000 plans and architectural drawings of significant buildings and bridges from the City Architect's Department and other sources.
Oral Histories
Oral histories of prominent local citizens will enhance your understanding of Edmonton's past.
Current and Historical Publications
Books and periodicals from the non-circulating library are available to assist you in your research.
Transforming Edmonton
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