Academia Historica (國史館)

Overview

Academia Historica (Chinese: 國史館; pinyin: Guóshǐ guǎn) is the national institution of historical research of the Republic of China (Taiwan), located in the Zhongzheng District of Taipei. Under the direct administration of the Office of the President, it is responsible for recording national history, collecting, compiling, and preserving historical collections, and conserving the relics associated with the Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Republic of China.

History and Founding

The institution traces its origins to a recommendation by 97 revolutionary leaders following the 1911 Revolution, leading to a founding in Beijing in 1914 under President Yuan Shikai. The institution was formally re-established by legislation in Nanjing in 1947. During the Chinese Civil War, Academia Historica relocated its files through Shanghai, Guangzhou, Guilin, and Chongqing before its mainland operations dissolved in 1949. It was reopened in Taipei in 1957, under President Chiang Kai-shek's directive, following a 1956 amendment transferring oversight to the Office of the President. Construction of archival warehouses in Xindian (now New Taipei City) began at that time. In 1973, the Executive Yuan mandated that all central government agencies annually transfer outdated or mainland-era documents to Academia Historica. In 2002, Taiwan Historica was placed under Academia Historica's jurisdiction.

Collections and Holdings

Academia Historica holds some of the most significant archival collections in the Republic of China, including: National Government Archives; the papers, archives, and photographs of Presidents Chiang Kai-shek and Chiang Ching-kuo; the archives of the National Resources Commission; Japanese Instruments of Surrender documents from 1945; and the 228 Incident Database. The institution has undertaken major digitization initiatives since 2002, including participation in the National Digital Archives Program, making five key archives fully available online.

Notable Materials for Media and History Research

The collections include diplomatic archives, extensive records of foreign relations and Taiwan-U.S. post-war relations, and presidential papers that document major events in 20th-century Chinese and Taiwanese political history. Media and journalism researchers can access materials related to wartime press censorship, government information policy, and diplomatic communications.

Access and Usage

Researchers must register at Academia Historica to access the collections. An online catalogue and growing digital archive are available at www.drnh.gov.tw. The institution is located in the Zhongzheng District of Taipei.