Identity area
Identifier
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
- Halifax Regional Municipality Archives
Other form(s) of name
Type
- Municipal
Contact area
Type
Address
Street address
Locality
Region
Country name
Postal code
Telephone
Fax
Note
We will respond to reference requests within 5 business days. Phone the Archives at 902-490-4643 for urgent requests.
Description area
History
The Municipal Archives was established in 2005 after the repatriation of municipal records from the Public Archives of Nova Scotia. It has since increased its holdings by transfers from other institutions holding historical municipal records, the transfer of inactive municipal records and donations from the public.
Geographical and cultural context
Halifax Regional Municipality is the largest municipal unit in Nova Scotia and comprises the former municipalities of the County of Halifax, the City of Halifax, the Town/City of Dartmouth and the Town of Bedford. Geographically it covers the area between Ecum Secum on the Eastern Shore, Hubbards towards the South Shore and the Halifax International Airport to the north. Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia.
The City of Halifax was incorporated in 1841, the first in Nova Scotia. The Town of Dartmouth was incorporated in 1873; the County of Halifax in 1878; and the Town of Bedford in 1979.
Mandates/Sources of authority
The Municipal Archives identifies, acquires, preserves and promotes access to municipal government and non government archival records documenting the history of the region.
Administrative structure
Records management and collecting policies
Halifax Municipal Archives is the official repository for all inactive Municipal records of enduring administrative, legal, fiscal, historical, or informational value. These records are preserved as evidence of the Municipality’s functions, policies, decisions, operations and citizen interactions. Mandate includes HRM’s predecessor municipalities: Town of Bedford; City of Dartmouth; City of Halifax; County of Halifax; Metropolitan Authority.
The municipal record is complemented by the archival records of individuals, businesses and organizations active in the municipal sphere, that directly document the functions, decisions, policies, operations or significant citizen interactions with the HRM municipal government and former municipal units
Buildings
Holdings
Finding aids, guides and publications
Search the online Municipal Archives database for the most up-to-date descriptions of archival and reference holdings, as well as digital copies of some material. Please note that the content available through MemoryNS is updated irregularly; researchers should contact the Archives before arranging a research trip.
Access area
Opening times
Reference by appointment available at specific times:
Tuesday: 10am-4pm
Wednesday: 10am-4pm
Thursday: 10am-4pm
The Archives closes for all statutory holidays.
The Municipal Archives facilitates on-site and remote access to its holdings. Contact Us with your reference request.
Access conditions and requirements
On-site researchers must register and show a piece of photo identification.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible. Free car and bicycle parking available at door. Halifax Transit lines 3 and 66 stop just beyond our door.
Services area
Research services
On-site Reading Room available to consult material. Computers and wi-fi available.
Researchers unable to visit in-person will be assisted with up to 1 hr. of research services per year. A list of professional researchers is also available.
Reproduction services
Researchers can purchase reproductions of all material in various formats depending on researcher’s needs, the needs of the records, and legal restrictions.
If researchers can specifically identify the material they need copied, request for copies can be submitted by email or phone. Researchers at the Archives can make their own copies (digital or paper) of material available on microfilm or use a digital camera to photograph material; otherwise all copying is done by Archives staff or external services.