City of Vancouver Archives – Vancouver, BC

About City of Vancouver Archives

The City of Vancouver Archives is the official repository for the records of the municipal government of Vancouver, as well as private records of historical significance to the city. Located in Vanier Park, the Archives is a vital resource for historians, genealogists, researchers, and the general public. It preserves a vast collection of documents, photographs, maps, and audio-visual materials that document the history, development, and culture of Vancouver from its incorporation in 1886 to the present day.

The Major Matthews Building

The Archives is housed in the Major Matthews Building, named after the city’s first archivist, Major J.S. Matthews, who tirelessly collected the city’s early history. Opened in 1972, this facility was the first in Canada built specifically as a municipal archive. It features a climate-controlled storage area to ensure the long-term preservation of delicate records and a public reading room overlooking the park and ocean, providing a quiet and conducive environment for research.

Collections and Services

• Municipal Records: Minutes of City Council, bylaws, department reports, and official correspondence.
• Private Sector Holdings: Personal papers of prominent citizens, business records, and community organization files.
• Visual Records: An extensive collection of historical photographs, architectural drawings, and maps depicting the city’s evolution.
• Genealogy Resources: Voters lists, directories, and other materials useful for tracing family history.
• Digital Archives: A growing database of digitized photographs and documents available for remote access.

Visit Information

Admission to the City of Vancouver Archives is free. Researchers are encouraged to register upon arrival. To protect the integrity of the holdings, strict rules regarding handling materials are in place, including restrictions on bags and pens in the reading room. Staff archivists are available to assist with locating materials and navigating the finding aids. The facility is fully accessible and offers reproduction services for those wishing to obtain copies of photographs or documents.