Anything to Donate?

Who are we?

The City of Vancouver Archives has been acquiring and preserving historical records since 1933. We collect both civic government records and records from businesses, individuals and organizations in the private sector.

What do we collect?

Private sector records may be as extensive as the business records of a corporation or as small as a single photograph found under the floorboards. We welcome the records-such as minutes, correspondence and reports-of organizations and societies that are part of the cultural or political life of Vancouver. We also preserve personal papers, diaries, photographs, neighbourhood oral histories, films of events and similar unpublished records.

Why should you give us your records?

• Make a lasting contribution to the historical narrative of our city
• Preserve your records in a controlled environment
• Be recognized as a part of our history
• Receive a tax receipt for their fair market value

When should you give us your records?

• Sooner is better, so they can be preserved
• If you are still using the records—for instance, recent minutes of an existing society—we can discuss a schedule of regular transfers
• We can discuss transfer of all of the records at a later date, or as a bequest from your estate

What about copyright?

We prefer to have copyright transferred to us if possible. Usually the creator of the work holds copyright, but it can be inherited.

What about access?

It is possible to restrict access to all or some records for a period of time. We can discuss placing restrictions on sensitive material.

How should I prepare them for you?

Please don't reorganize, repair or clean your records. We prefer to keep the original order, and our preservation staff can conserve the materials if necessary.

Looking for more information?

You can read our donation form.

Contact us at

City of Vancouver Archives
1150 Chestnut Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6J 3J9
604.736.8561
archives@vancouver.ca