Jersey Archive view of entrance to archive and three people at entrance

Jersey Archive

Archive dé Jèrri

The Island’s national repository holding archival material from public institutions as well as private businesses and individuals. Winner of 'Record Keeping Service of the Year’ in the Archives and Records Association (ARA) Excellence Awards 2023

Who we are

I am Gardien

The Island’s national repository With collections recognised by UNESCO, the Jersey Archive is the Island’s national repository holding records on all aspects of Jersey’s history. Researchers can use archive resources to trace their family history, the story of their house or street and to find out more about over 600 years of our unique history including the German Occupation of Jersey during the Second World War. Staff at Jersey Archive can assist with family history, property research, academic and professional enquiries, offer advice about preservation, and give talks, tours and education services. Jersey Archive also holds the collections of the Channel Islands Family History Society. The Archive was re-accredited under The National Archive Accreditation Scheme in 2021.

Preservation

The long-term preservation and security of the records in our care is our highest priority. Since the Public Records (Jersey) Law was passed in 2002 the Jersey Archive has been the official repository for all archival records produced by public institutions.

Jersey Archive also accepts records from businesses, clubs, societies and individuals. These can be donated or deposited on long term long loan whereby ownership remains with the depositor. Our Acquisitions Policy is available to view.

Once catalogued, documents are carefully packed in acid free materials and stored in the correct environmental conditions. We also we offer advice on conservation of records and preserving your own documents and memorabilia.

Many individuals and associations now produce and store important documents in a digital format. It is vital that we preserve these documents as archives of the future. Please read our guidelines on the preservation of digital material and contact us if you have any queries.

Access

As well as collecting and preserving records the Archive is committed to making archives available to all members of the local and worldwide community.

Records that are stored at Jersey Archive are catalogued by our professional staff and made available via the Online Catalogue. This catalogue allows you to search through the archives by entering a name, place or subject that is relevant to your research.

Individuals who are able to visit the Jersey Archive in person will find that there is always a member of staff available to assist with your enquiries. If you are unable to visit us in person we will gladly answer any written, e-mail or telephone enquiries about the records in our care.

Staff at the Jersey Archive can also assist with legal enquiries and property research for the construction professional. We also offer talks and tours and education services.

Our Archive regulations and freedom of information guidance are available for you to study before you visit.

Research

Jersey Archive, as the official repository for the Island documentary heritage, can offer guidance, information and documents that relate to all aspects of the Island’s History. Our information leaflets give details of the documents and collections that researchers and family historians might find particularly useful:

Those with French ancestors might find the following leaflet and websites useful:

Staff at the Archive can carry our research on your behalf. Work on detailed enquiries will be charged at £25 per hour with a maximum of 5 hours research at any one time.

We undertake to answer all initial enquiries within two weeks, however follow up research or photocopying enquiries may take longer to complete. If you have an enquiry please e-mail us at archives@jerseyheritage.org

We also provide a copying service for documents that have not been digitised. Ordering photocopies will incur a minimum charge of £5.  To order photocopies of any documents that you might find on the catalogue please complete our copyright declaration form.  Please ensure that the form includes your signature, full details of the documents you require copies of and your postal or email address.

The Jersey Archive is responsible for the care of and provision of access to original documents from the Probate Division, Royal Court, Public Registry, Family Division and Magistrates Court. The Archive has built up a good working relationship with many legal firms since these documents were transferred to the Archive by the Judicial Greffe in 2001.

The Archive currently undertakes to produce photocopies of cases from original records for legal firms and also offers firms the opportunity to send researchers to the Archive to view original material.

If you would like to order photocopies of legal cases please complete our copyright declaration form including details of the court, volume and page number required. Our table of fees gives details of prices.

Research

Archives and Collections Online

Discover more about our collections by searching the online catalogue which contains over 750,000 descriptions of the unique documents and objects that we care for.

The online catalogue allows you to explore digital images of many of our collections from wherever you are in world. This includes resources for family and social history, photographs from the Jersey Evening Post and Société Jersiaise archives, images of our object and art collections in store and archaeological finds.

Start your research now

Listen

Download the Podcast

Step behind the scenes at Jersey Archive and explore fascinating stories from the collection of Aliens Registration Cards. From Breton farm workers to South American piano teachers, Jersey was a surprisingly international community in the 1920s when these immigration cards were created.

Download the podcasts from your normal podcast provider.

Listen online

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Object in focus

The mystery of the James Bond note discovered during restoration work at Elizabeth Castle has been solved.

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Family history research

Get started researching your family history in Jersey

Listen

Black and white photo of a thatched cottage
Brand new talks online
Your Home Your Story

A brand new series of talks from Jersey Archive, starts with new archive and collections open to the public, each month a new talk will be added. Sponsored by Antony Gibb Historic Buildings Consultants.

Listen online

Listen

Detail from the Richmond map of 1795 showing orchards in St Lawrence
What's Your Town's Story?

Discover the people and places of Jersey with our What’s Your Street’s Story talks. You can also learn more about starting your family history, the treasures of the archive and many more topics.

Listen onlline

Listen

Black and white postcard of St Peter's Village with old bus at bus stop.
What's Your Street's Story?

Discover the stories of the streets and parishes of Jersey in this series of talks, researched, written and presented by the Jersey Archive team

Listen online