Antigua and Barbuda National Archives

Overview

The Antigua and Barbuda National Archives is the official government archive of Antigua and Barbuda, responsible for preserving and providing access to the public and private records of the nation. It holds documents essential to the historical, cultural, legal, and administrative heritage of the twin-island state.

History and Founding

The Archives and Records Act of 1982 established the Archives and Records Office, and the National Archives formally opened that year in a small building on Newgate Street, St. John's. It was subsequently relocated to the upper floor of the Court House on Long Street. The acquisition of the historically significant Codrington Papers necessitated purpose-built facilities; in 1991, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Rapaport donated a building to the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda. This building, situated in Victoria Park on Factory Road opposite the St. John's Fire Station, has served as the archive's home ever since.

Collections and Holdings

The National Archives holds government records spanning several centuries, in a variety of formats including paper, parchment, maps and plans, photographs, magnetic tapes, and optical media. Major collections include:

• Sessional Papers and Original Correspondence
• Acts of the Legislature and Government Gazettes
• Leeward Island Blue Books and Estimates
• Shipping Records and Treasury and Customs Department records
• Slave Registers and Compensation Records (including records relating to the Codrington family estates)
• Marriage Licences, Bonds, and Oaths
• National Assembly Parliamentary Debates
• Register of Title Deeds and Court of Chancery records
• Codrington Papers — a major private collection relating to the Codrington family and their Barbuda estate
• West Indies Federation records

The Archives also holds wills and deeds dating from 1668 to 1900, which are the subject of ongoing digitization efforts in partnership with the British Library's Endangered Archives Programme.

Notable Materials

The Codrington Papers constitute one of the most significant colonial-era collections in the Eastern Caribbean. The Archives also holds records relevant to the history of slavery and emancipation, including the Register of Slaves and plantation records, making it an important resource for genealogical and historical research into the African diaspora.

Access and Usage

The Archives welcomes academics, genealogical researchers, teachers, and students. Access is available Monday through Friday, with limited morning hours. Researchers are encouraged to contact the Archives in advance. In 2018 the archives received emergency conservation funding from the Whiting Foundation and Prince Claus Fund to repair hurricane damage to the building's roof sustained during the 2017 hurricane season.