Staatsarchiv St. Gallen

In the picturesque city of St. Gallen, Switzerland, lies an institution that is a treasure trove of history, culture, and heritage—the Staatsarchiv St. Gallen. This remarkable archive, nestled within the historical Abbey District, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past, preserving the rich tapestry of the canton’s history since its establishment in 1803. Whether you're a history buff, a curious traveler, or a student of archival science, the Staatsarchiv St. Gallen is a destination that promises to enlighten and inspire.

The Birth of the Staatsarchiv

The Staatsarchiv St. Gallen was established in 1803, coinciding with the formation of the canton itself. The archive began by preserving the legal documents from the old Swiss Confederation and the transitional period leading up to the canton’s creation. This was a time of significant political upheaval and restructuring, leading to the transfer and consolidation of many archival materials. Over the years, the Staatsarchiv has successfully reintegrated important documents from various jurisdictions, including the bailliages of Rheintal and Sax, which were previously scattered across different cantons.

Mission and Responsibilities

The primary mission of the Staatsarchiv St. Gallen is to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of documents that hold historical, legal, and cultural significance. Governed by the law on document processing and archiving (sGS 147.1), the archive is tasked with deciding which documents are worthy of preservation and ensuring their traceability. This mission extends beyond public records to include significant private documents, thereby safeguarding the heritage of organizations, families, and individuals who have played a vital role in the canton’s history. The Staatsarchiv operates independently, maintaining a high standard of archival practice and contributing to legal security and historical research.

A Rich Collection

The Staatsarchiv St. Gallen boasts an extensive and diverse collection, divided into state and non-state documents. The state documents are further categorized into several sections:

• Ancient Archives (AA): These include official documents, acts, and books from the bailliages of Rheintal, Sax-Forstegg, Werdenberg, Sargans, Gaster, Uznach, and the city of Rapperswil, as well as historical records from Toggenburg and Fürstenland.
• Helvetic Archives (AH): Documents from the canton of Säntis and the St. Gallen part of the canton of Linth, dating from 1798 to 1803.
• Cantonal Council and Government Archives (AGR, ARR): Protocols and acts related to parliamentary and governmental decisions.
• Cantonal Archives (1803–1931) (AC): Official publications and documents from the cantonal administration, systematically archived.
• New Archives (from 1931) (A): Documents from the cantonal administration, archived based on their date of receipt and the contributing service.
• Justice Archives (from 1803) (G, GA): Decisions and acts from regional and cantonal courts.
• Official Publications (from 1803) (ZA): Publications from state organs.
• Independent Institutions and State-Majority Companies (B, HSG): Archives of the St. Gallen Property Insurance, Bodensee-Toggenburg Railway, St. Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke, and the University of St. Gallen.

Non-state documents include:

• Corporation Archives (C): Archives of public or private law corporations.
• Private Archives (W): Estates and archives of parties, organizations, companies, families, and individuals.
• State Archives Collection (KP, Z, BM): Photographs, maps, plans, coins, and medals.

The archive's materials are predominantly paper-based, but also include parchment, celluloid, and glass plates. With over 10 kilometers of archival materials, the Staatsarchiv continues to grow each year, adding 100 to 200 linear meters of documents annually.

Research and Accessibility

The Staatsarchiv St. Gallen is committed to making its vast collection accessible to the public. Researchers can explore the online catalog, which includes digitized documents and illustrations. The archive also houses a public research library, with media cataloged in the SGBN network and available for consultation on-site.

The Building and Its History

The Staatsarchiv is housed in a historically significant building that was originally constructed between 1838 and 1841 by Felix Wilhelm Kubly as an arsenal. By the 1970s, the building had fallen into disrepair, prompting the cantonal government to commission architect Ernest Brantschen to transform it into a modern archive and administrative complex. Since 1979, the Staatsarchiv, along with the Abbey Archives and the Cantonal Court, has occupied the north wing of this beautifully restored building in the Abbey District. Due to the ever-growing collection, additional storage and office facilities have been established in two other buildings.

Collaboration and Innovation

The Staatsarchiv St. Gallen is a pioneer in the field of long-term digital archiving. Collaborating with national and international archives, including the Arge Alp (Alpine Regions Working Community), the Staatsarchiv is at the forefront of preserving digital data for future generations. This commitment to innovation ensures that the archive remains relevant and accessible in an increasingly digital world.

In conclusion, the Staatsarchiv St. Gallen is not just an archive; it is a guardian of history, a beacon of knowledge, and a testament to the enduring importance of preserving our collective past. A visit to this remarkable institution offers an enriching experience, providing a deeper understanding of the history and heritage of the canton of St. Gallen. Whether you're delving into centuries-old manuscripts or exploring the latest in digital archiving, the Staatsarchiv St. Gallen is a destination that promises to captivate and educate.