Seychelles National Archives (SNA)

Overview

The Seychelles National Archives (SNA) is the national archival institution of the Republic of Seychelles, located on Île du Port (Port Island) in Victoria, Mahé. The SNA operates as a section under the Conservation, Community Engagement and Access to Cultural Information Division of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (SNICHA). Its mandate is to collect, preserve, and make accessible archival documents of enduring value.

History and Founding

The earliest reference to the Seychelles archives appears in the 1794 Instrument of Capitulation signed between France and Britain, which provided for the protection of archives. However, formal archival activity only began in September 1961, when Captain William Tindall Wilfred Webb became Seychelles' first officially appointed archivist, undertaking the task of classifying colonial documents held in poor conditions. The current institution was formally established by Ordinance No. 27 of 7 November 1964. Webb served until his death in July 1968. The SNA has since moved several times: from the Carnegie Library building to La Bastille at Union Vale in 1982, and then to the Helena Complex on Port Island, following a fungal outbreak in 2012 that necessitated relocation from the National Library building.

Collections and Holdings

The SNA holds a wide range of materials including the original Instrument of Capitulation of 1794, government administrative files, civil status registers, notarial deeds, special reports, Government Gazettes, newspapers, maps, paintings, photographs, film, audio recordings, stamps, and currency. These records document the French and British colonial periods as well as post-independence Seychelles. The archives provide genealogy research services, allowing individuals to trace ancestry through several generations. In recent years, the SNA has pursued digitization of its collections to improve preservation and public access.

Access and Usage

The archives are open Monday through Friday 08:00–16:00, with genealogical research sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 09:00–12:00 by appointment. Genealogical research services carry a fee. Access to legal documents is handled at the Seychelles Magistrates' Court in Victoria.