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Does
the Archives lend original material?
The Department of Archives does not lend original documents for research
use. Loans of original documents for exhibition use is generally prohibited.
However government agencies or donors, or their designated representative
may request loans of their own original material. Borrowers must submit
a written request for the material and should stipulate the period
of time for which the documents are requested. |
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Where
is the Archives located?
The
Department of Archives is located on Mackey Street behind the Eastern
Public Library and the Shirley Street Post Office. |
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What
are the hours of operation of the Research Room?
The Research Room opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 4:45 p.m. Monday
to Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. |
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Is
the Archives open on weekends?
Beginning 2 July 2005, the Research Room of the Department of Archives
will no longer be open to the public on Saturdays. |
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Can
I obtain photocopies?
Yes, if photocopying is not restricted by copyright. See the Research
Room Service Charges. |
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Are
all the records at the Archives open to the public?
No. Some records have a thirty (30) year rule of access. This means
that they are not available for public viewing for thirty (30) years.
Some are not available for one hundred (100) years. |
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Can
I call the Archives and have information researched for me?
Due to the number of requests that the department receives daily,
we are unable to accommodate inquiries from local researchers. Local
researchers are encouraged to visit the Archives to conduct their
own research. Inquiries
are, however, accepted from overseas researchers who are unable
to visit the Archives. Limited research is conducted for these requests
but those requiring in-depth research are referred to a professional
researcher or research firm. The Department of Archives staff is
not permitted to undertake paid searches for you. |
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Does
the Archives hold records of births, marriages and deaths?
Yes. The Department of Archives holds records of births, marriages
and death. See Family
History: Registrar Generals Department, Family
History: Local Government and Commissioner's Report and Family
History: Church Records for more information. |
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How
do I start my family research?
Write down your name, your date and place of birth and your date and
place of marriage. Next, record the following information about your
parents: their names (always use a wife's maiden name), date and place
of birth, date and place of marriage, date and place of death, and
place of burial. Do the same with your grandparents. Continue back
as far as you can. Get
in touch with your living relatives and gather all the information
from them that you can. Take notes, or better yet, use a tape recorder
if you have one.
When you have gathered all of this information then you will be
better equipped to visit the Archives to begin your research. Go
to the Family History
page for further assistance. |
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What
types of Family History records does the Archives hold?
For family historians the main group of records you will find useful
for your research are:
Census Records
Slave Records
Compensation Returns
Slave Registers
Register
of Freed Slaves
Local Government
and Commissioner's Report
Maps and Plans
Church Records
Cemetery Records
Naturalization Records
Land Records
Estate Records
Wills
Deeds, Indentures and
Conveyances
Dowers
Probate Papers
Bahamas Staff List
Blue Books
Government
High School Files
Voters List
Jury List
Contract Labour
Records
Birth, Marriage
and Death Records |
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What
are the rules and regulations which govern the research room?
See RULES
AND REGULATIONS. This document is a PDF file. You will need to
download Abode
Acrobat Reader in order to view the document. |
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Why
do I have to sign an attendance register?
All persons visiting or conducting research at the Department of Archives
are required to sign an attendance register in the foyer of the Department
and in the Research Room. This is necessary to allow the department
to gather statistics on the number of persons visiting and conducting
research and what subjects they are researching. |
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Why
do I have to complete a document call slip?
1. THE DOCUMENT CALL SLIP serves as a reference for researchers. By
recording the documents they use in the process of their research,
the researcher can always refer to this slip upon their return.
2. THE DOCUMENT
CALL SLIP is used to indicate to the Research Staff what type and
the amount of records which are being used for research.
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Why
can't I use a pen to take notes?
PENS are NOT ALLOWED in the Research Room because they contain substances
which can cause damage to records. This is what can eventually happen
to a document which has been damaged by a pen. |
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Can
I use a camera or other electronic recording devices to take photographs?
The use of cameras and other electronic devices is strictly prohibited.
Permission to use them is only granted by the Director of Archives
upon written request. The Director reserves the right to refuse any
or all requests. |
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Can
I use a laptop computer in the research room?
Persons wishing to use laptop computers should seek permission from
the Archivist in charge of the Research Room BEFORE visiting the Archives.
Note that electrical outlets are limited so ensure that batteries
are up to strength. |
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