Stasi Records Archive Stasi-Unterlagen-Archiv (Federal Archives, Germany)

History and Founding

The Stasi Records Archive (Stasi-Unterlagen-Archiv) preserves and provides access to the records of the East German Ministry of State Security (Ministerium für Staatssicherheit, or Stasi), which operated from its founding on 8 February 1950 until its dissolution on 13 January 1990. When the Berlin Wall fell in November 1989, Stasi agents received orders to destroy documents. Civil rights activists and human rights defenders occupied Stasi offices to prevent this destruction, allowing the records to be secured. In 1990, a federal commissioner was appointed to manage the archive. The agency formally governed by this commissioner—the Federal Commissioner for the Records of the State Security Service of the former German Democratic Republic (BStU)—operated independently until 17 June 2021, when it was absorbed into the German Federal Archives (Bundesarchiv). The archive now operates as a department of the Bundesarchiv.

Collections and Holdings

The archive holds approximately 111 kilometres of files, more than 1.7 million photographs, films, audio documents, and microfiches, as well as index cards. Materials document the methods, personnel, and activities of the Stasi from 1950 to 1990, including records on approximately 5.6 million individuals who were subjects of surveillance. About half of the material is held at the Berlin central office (Frankfurter Allee 204, Berlin-Lichtenberg), with the remainder distributed across 12 regional offices in the eastern German states. The archive also holds records of the Stasi's predecessor, the political police K5, and its successor, the Office for National Security.

Notable Materials Related to Journalism and Media

The Stasi Records Archive supports research by and for the press, radio, and film media, and provides access to records relevant to the surveillance of journalists in the GDR. The archive documents how the Stasi monitored, recruited, and repressed media figures, and its records are a key source for historians of East German journalism and censorship. A dedicated press section facilitates access for media organisations, and the archive publishes its own research findings and maintains the online Stasi Media Centre.

Access and Usage

Since 1992, more than 2 million people have applied to access files compiled about them by the Stasi. Researchers, journalists, civic education agencies, and individuals may apply for access under the Stasi Records Act (Stasi-Unterlagen-Gesetz, StUG). Files may be viewed at the Berlin central office or any of the 13 regional offices. Copies of documents can be requested. The archive also conducts exhibitions, educational events, and public tours. Approximately 1,300 staff work across 13 locations.