Arkivverket National Archives of Norway

Overview

Arkivverket (the National Archival Services of Norway) is the Norwegian government's authority for archives and records management. It comprises the National Archives (Riksarkivet) in Oslo and a network of regional state archives (statsarkivene) across ten locations, together with the Sámi Archives (Sámi arkiiva) in Kautokeino and the Norwegian Health Archives (Norsk helsearkiv) at Tynset. Arkivverket operates under the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Justice.

History and Founding

The National Archives of Norway was founded in 1817, shortly after Norway gained its constitution and entered into a union with Sweden. The poet and national figure Henrik Wergeland was appointed as the first national archivist in 1841, a post of both archival and cultural significance. The institution has grown continuously since then, with regional archives established across the country. The Archival Act of 1992 provided the current legal framework governing the National Archives and its director, the Riksarkivaren. Regional archives in Bergen, Hamar, Kongsberg, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Tromsø, Trondheim, Kautokeino, and Tynset complement the Oslo headquarters.

Collections and Holdings

Arkivverket preserves all central government records once they reach 25 years of age, as well as important archives from private individuals, companies, and organizations. The oldest complete document in the collection is a letter from Pope Clement III dated 28 January 1189. Holdings include census records from 1664 to 1920, church books, court records, probate materials, emigration lists, and extensive military records. The Digital Archive (Digitalarkivet) is Arkivverket's free online publishing platform for digitized archival materials, providing access to church books, censuses, probate records, court records, and other materials.

Notable Materials

For media and journalism research, the National Archives hold records of Norwegian ministries, including communications and information bureaus, as well as private archives of historical figures and organizations. Wartime records, including materials related to the German occupation of Norway (1940–1945), are held and partially available for research.

Access and Usage

The reading room at the Oslo National Archives is open Monday through Friday year-round, with Saturday openings during the academic year. Telephone advisory services are available Monday through Thursday from noon to 2pm. The Digital Archive is freely accessible online to anyone worldwide.