The Department of Archives was established by an Act of Parliament in 1971. It is the final repository for permanent records and archives of the government. The Chief Justice is the legal head of the department. However, administratively the office is under the Ministry of Education. Daily management and control is performed by the Director of Archives.

 

WHAT WE HOLD

 

The Department of Archives accepts on permanent deposit records of enduring value which have been created in the course of the conduct of affairs of any kind, public or private. Most records on deposit originated in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the Government of The Bahamas. However, the department also holds deposits of private archives including family, business and ecclesiastical records.

 

WHO WE SERVE

 

The Department of Archives services firstly, the government by preserving and making available records which are essential for the effective administration of public business. Secondly, it services the public which uses the records for a variety of reasons. Each year the department receives many inquiries by mail and telephone. However, most researchers visit the Archives and undertake their own research.