The PTT Archive in Köniz, Switzerland, is a treasure trove of historical documents and artifacts that tell the fascinating story of the Swiss postal, telephone, and telegraph services. Officially known as the PTT-Archiv in the local language, this archive offers a unique glimpse into the development of communication in Switzerland from the 19th century to the present day.
The roots of the PTT Archive can be traced back to April 30, 1893, when the General Post Directorate in Bern issued an instruction concerning the organization of the archive, the establishment and management of the central library, and the handling of records. This marked the beginning of what would become a comprehensive repository of Swiss communication history. Over the next century, the archive evolved into a central information hub for the PTT (Post, Telephone, and Telegraph) services, employing nearly 30 staff members at its peak.
In 1997, the PTT was divided into two separate entities: Swiss Post and Swisscom AG. To preserve the rich history of these organizations, the Swiss Foundation for the History of the Post and Telecommunications was established in 1998, and it took over the management of the PTT Archive. The archive was initially housed at Viktoriastrasse 21 in Bern but moved to its current location at Sägestrasse 77 in Köniz in 2013.
The PTT Archive is a haven for historians, researchers, and anyone interested in the evolution of communication in Switzerland. The archive's collections include documents dating from 1848 to 1997, encompassing a wide range of materials such as organizational records, traffic statistics, telephone and telegraph network expansion plans, and personnel files. These records are available in three languages: German, French, and Italian, reflecting Switzerland's linguistic diversity.
One of the highlights of the PTT Archive is its collection of gray literature, which includes regulations, forms, and telephone directories. The archive boasts the only complete collection of Swiss telephone directories, dating back to the first directory published in 1880. Additionally, the archive houses a specialized library with approximately 35,000 publications focused on postal and telecommunications history, including works related to the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), both of which were founded in Bern.
The PTT Archive provides a range of services to the public. Visitors can access the archive's collections through an online database and study the documents in the reading room. The archive also offers guided tours, giving visitors an opportunity to explore selected archival materials and gain insights into the work of the postal and telecommunications sectors.
One of the unique features of the PTT Archive is its Oral History Project, which began in 2014. This project involves interviewing former PTT employees to capture their personal stories and experiences. These interviews provide a valuable perspective on the history of the PTT and its successor organizations. In 2021, the project was expanded to include Verzeu mau! (Berndeutsch for Tell me!), which focuses on collecting short anecdotes and episodes related to postal and telecommunications topics.
The PTT Archive also engages in educational activities, participating in university courses and organizing Wikipedia workshops on various historical aspects of the PTT. Furthermore, the archive hosts intergenerational workshops for postal apprentices, allowing them to prepare with archival sources and engage in discussions with former PTT employees about past and present work experiences.
The PTT Archive is recognized as an object of national importance in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property. This designation underscores the archive's value in preserving and making accessible the historical records of Switzerland's postal and telecommunications services. The archive's collections fall under the Federal Act on Archiving, which mandates protection periods of 30 years for subject files and 50 years for personal files. Requests for access to protected records can be submitted to the PTT Archive.
The PTT Archive is more than just a repository of documents; it is a living testament to the evolution of communication in Switzerland. By preserving and sharing the history of the PTT, the archive helps us understand how the postal and telecommunications services have shaped the nation's development and connected its people. Whether you are a historian, a researcher, or simply a curious visitor, the PTT Archive offers a wealth of knowledge and insights waiting to be discovered.
In conclusion, the PTT Archive in Köniz is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of communication in Switzerland. Its extensive collections, engaging services, and educational initiatives make it a valuable resource for understanding the past and present of the Swiss postal and telecommunications sectors. So, take a journey through time and explore the fascinating world of the PTT Archive – you won't be disappointed!
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