Archives of Manitoba – Winnipeg, MB

Guardian of Manitoba’s History and Hudson’s Bay Company Records

The Archives of Manitoba is the central repository for the documentary heritage of the province, located in the historic Manitoba Archives Building (formerly the Winnipeg Auditorium) in downtown Winnipeg. This institution operates under the authority of The Archives and Recordkeeping Act, with a dual mandate: to preserve the records of the Government of Manitoba and to acquire private sector records of provincial significance. A crown jewel of its collection is the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) Archives, a globally recognized treasure designated as a UNESCO Memory of the World registry item. This facility serves researchers, historians, genealogists, and the general public, connecting Manitobans with their past through millions of pages of text, photographs, maps, and audiovisual materials.

The Collections

The holdings at the Archives are vast and diverse. Government Records: These include official documents from the Legislative Assembly, court registries (wills, estates, divorce files), and departmental records dating back to the province’s creation in 1870. Private Sector Records: The Archives holds papers from prominent individuals, families, businesses, and organizations that have shaped Manitoba society. HBC Archives: These records span over three centuries (from 1670), documenting the fur trade, exploration, and the early relationships between European traders and Indigenous peoples across North America. This collection is an invaluable resource for understanding the pre-confederation history of Western Canada.

Research and Access

Access to the collections is provided through the Research Room, a controlled environment designed to protect fragile materials. Researchers are encouraged to search the Keystone Archives Descriptive Database online before visiting to identify relevant materials. Upon arrival, visitors must register and present valid photo identification. To ensure the safety of the documents, strict rules are enforced: only pencils are allowed (no pens), and all personal belongings, including bags and coats, must be stored in free lockers provided in the foyer. The Archives also offers a microfilm reading area and reference library. While many records are open, some may be restricted due to privacy legislation or preservation concerns.

The Historic Building

The Archives is housed in a significant heritage building constructed in 1932. The architecture reflects the Art Deco style of the era. Situated on Vaughan Street, across from the Hudson’s Bay department store, the building itself is a testament to Winnipeg’s civic history. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators ensuring that all citizens can access their heritage. The Archives acknowledges that it is located on Treaty 1 Territory and the homeland of the Red River Métis, and it is actively working towards Truth and Reconciliation by facilitating access to records relevant to Indigenous history and residential schools.

Visiting Procedures

The Research Room operates on a split schedule, closing for a lunch hour between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Visitors should plan their arrival accordingly to maximize research time. Staff archivists are available to provide guidance on using finding aids and requesting materials from the vaults. Photography of records is generally permitted for research purposes, provided no flash is used and the documents are not restricted. Free Wi-Fi is available, allowing researchers to use their laptops and access digital resources while working with physical documents.