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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. |
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| Is
the Archives open on weekends? No, the Department of Archives is not open on weekends. |
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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. |
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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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