Provincial Archives of New Brunswick – Fredericton, NB

Provincial Archives of New Brunswick (PANB)

The Provincial Archives of New Brunswick serves as the central repository for the documentary heritage of the province. Established in 1967 as a Centennial project, the Archives are housed in the historic Bonar Law-Bennett Building on the campus of the University of New Brunswick (UNB). Operating under the authority of the Archives Act, this institution is responsible for the identification, preservation, and availability of records that possess enduring legal, administrative, and historical value. It functions as the collective memory of the government and the people of New Brunswick, holding materials that date back to the pre-Loyalist and Acadian periods.

Collections and Research

The Archives houses a vast collection of materials that are indispensable for genealogists, historians, and legal researchers:

• Government Records: As the official keeper of government records, PANB holds the files of all provincial departments, courts, and agencies. This includes the original Acts of the Legislature, Supreme Court case files, and land grant petitions dating from 1784.
• Vital Statistics: One of the most frequently accessed collections includes the official registers of births, marriages, and deaths. While many of these are indexed online, the original microfilms and books are preserved here.
• Private Sector Records: The Archives actively acquires the papers of influential families, businesses, churches, and labor unions to ensure a holistic view of the province’s history.

Facility and Procedures

Visiting the Archives is a formal process designed to protect unique and fragile documents. Upon arrival, researchers must register at the front desk. The facility operates on a closed-stack system, meaning the public cannot browse the shelves directly. Instead, researchers use finding aids to identify items, which are then retrieved by staff.

• Security Measures: To prevent damage or theft, strict rules are enforced in the Reading Room. All coats, bags, and cases must be stored in provided lockers. Only pencils (no ink pens) and loose paper or laptops are permitted at the research tables.
• Reproduction Services: While there is no fee to access the documents, fees apply for photocopying or digital scanning. Staff can provide certified copies of legal documents, such as court orders or birth registrations, for official use.

Digital Access and The Associates

The PANB is a leader in digitization, offering a Federated Database Search that allows users to query over 3 million names across various datasets simultaneously. The institution is supported by the Associates of the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, a non-profit group that funds specialized equipment and acquisitions. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators and adapted washrooms, ensuring that the province’s history is open to all.