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    Bundesarchiv

    from Koblenz

    The Bundesarchiv (BArch) preserves and provides German history. As the highest federal authority, it secures archival material, collects estates, and manages the central film archive. With locations in Koblenz and Berlin, it promotes research and access to historical documents.

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    Bundesarchiv (BArch) - Preservation and Provision of German History

    The Bundesarchiv (BArch) is a supreme federal authority of the Federal Republic of Germany, which is subordinate to the business area of the Minister of State for Culture in the Federal Chancellery, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.

    Key Products and Services

    The Bundesarchiv has the legal mandate to permanently secure, make usable, and scientifically utilize the archival material of the federal government and its predecessor institutions. The central tasks include:

    • Preservation and Provision of Archival Material: The Bundesarchiv preserves documents from central authorities of the Holy Roman Empire, the German Confederation, the German Empire, the occupation zones, the German Democratic Republic, and the Federal Republic of Germany. This includes files, documents, maps, images, posters, films, audio recordings, and machine-readable data[2][3].
    • Collection of Estates and Documents: It collects written estates from significant individuals, documents from parties, associations, and organizations of supra-regional importance, as well as journalistic sources[2][3].
    • Film Archive: The Bundesarchiv also takes on the tasks of the central German film archive and manages extensive film and audio collections[2].
    • Library: The library in Berlin-Lichterfelde has the largest library collection within the Bundesarchiv with around 1.7 million volumes[1].

    Main Mission and Values

    The main mission of the Bundesarchiv is the permanent securing and provision of archival material for the research and understanding of German history. It decides whether the documents have lasting value for history, the safeguarding of legitimate citizen interests, or for legislation, administration, and jurisdiction. The Bundesarchiv ensures access to the archival material while maintaining the protection of private and public interests[2][3].

    Sustainability Goals and Initiatives

    The Bundesarchiv is committed to the long-term preservation and accessibility of archival material. This includes:

    • Protection and Conservation: The archival material is protected from dangers, restored, and conserved. If the preservation of the original is not possible, the information is transferred to new, more durable carrier material[2].
    • Digitization: Part of the holdings is available in digital form through research platforms for online use, to facilitate access and preserve the collections[3].
    • Scientific Utilization: The archival material is utilized in scientific source editions and exhibitions to research and understand German history and present[2][3].

    Structure and Locations

    The Bundesarchiv has its main office in Koblenz, but the Berlin-Lichterfelde location is the largest facility in terms of space and personnel. Other branches are located in Bayreuth, Ludwigsburg, Rastatt, Sankt Augustin, Hoppegarten, and Freiburg. The Bundesarchiv is divided into seven departments and the Foundation Archive of the Parties and Mass Organizations of the GDR in the Bundesarchiv[1][2].

    The Bundesarchiv plays a central role in the preservation and communication of German history and ensures that it remains accessible and usable for future generations.

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