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Archives of Manitoba

Visiting the Archives

The Archives Research Room

If you are interested in conducting research with government records, private records or the records of Hudson's Bay Company, the Archives Research Room is the place for you. Before you visit the research room, here are some things you might need to know:

Obtaining a Research Pass
Reference Services
Retrieval of Records
Restricted Records
Using Microfilm in the Archives Research Room

Obtaining a Research Pass

Access to onsite research tools and original records held at the Archives of Manitoba is restricted to clients holding valid research passes. A research pass may be obtained on the first visit by completing the application form and presenting one piece of identification. Acceptable identification includes, but is not limited to: a valid driver's license, passport, student card, birth certificate, S.I.N. card, Treaty or Metis card. Credit, health and business cards are not acceptable. There is no cost associated with obtaining a research pass and it is not transferable.

Please note:

You must show your research pass whenever visiting the Archives.
Personal belongings including briefcases, oversize purses, backpacks, folders, umbrellas, and outerwear such as overcoats and raincoats must be stored in lockers on the main floor near the security desk.
Research notes and personal computers may be taken in to the research room.
Cell phones may be used outside of the research room.
Food and drink are not permitted in the research room.
Archival records are unique and irreplaceable. We have established guidelines to protect our province's documentary heritage for future generations. Please take a moment to read the Research Room Policies and Procedures (PDF).

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Reference Services

When you visit the Archives of Manitoba, research staff is available to discuss your research with you and provide instruction about all aspects of using the Archives Research Room. A summary of some of the services offered in the research room include the following:

access to all finding aids, including inventories, file lists, index and card catalogues;
search online guides to the archival holdings of all media of the Archives of Manitoba, including the Hudson's Bay Company Archives;
access to, and retrieval of, original records and HBCA library holdings;
self-service access to microfilm and microfiche;
self-service copying from microfilm and microfiche; and
requests for reproductions of records.

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Retrieval of Records

Many of the records requested can be retrieved immediately. Before visiting the Archives of Manitoba, be aware that some records may not be immediately available. For example:

records stored off-site will arrive at the Archives of Manitoba two days after the request is made;
special media such as audio visual records, sound recordings and cartographic records may require an appointment prior to viewing;
records that require special handling and care; or
restricted records including those subject to The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, other legislation which restricts access, and donor restrictions.

When requesting records located at the Archives of Manitoba, certain procedures must be followed.

Please read the Archives of Manitoba's Terms Governing Copying, Reproduction and Use (PDF format) prior to requesting original records.
You must complete record request forms once records of interest have been identified. A separate record request form must be completed for each record requested.
A maximum of five records can be requested at one time.

Retrievals are available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. daily and usually take approximately 30 minutes. There are no retrievals from 12:20 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

If your visit to the Archives of Manitoba is time-sensitive, be sure to contact us prior to your visit to ensure the records you require are readily available.

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Restricted Records

Before visiting the Archives of Manitoba, be aware that some records may not be immediately available for use. Access to records may be limited for the following reasons:

some government records contain personal or sensitive information (The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act places some limits on an individual's right to information held by the Government of Manitoba; access to government records may be subject to other legislation including The Criminal Youth Justice Act, The Mental Health Act, and The Adoption Act);
some private records, including those of the Hudson's Bay Company Archives, have been donated to the Archives of Manitoba with certain conditions on access forming part of the donation agreement; and
some records require special handling and care.

For restriction information on specific records, search Keystone, consult finding aids in the Archives Research Room or contact us.

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Using Microfilm in the Archives Research Room

The Archives of Manitoba, including the Hudson's Bay Company Archives, has microfilmed many of its records. Microfilm copies not only help preserve original records, they are also easily accessible to you in the Archives Research Room and to clients around the world through the Microfilm Program. Microfilm numbers can be found in finding aids in the research room, in the HBCA Online Finding Aid and in the Keystone Archives Descriptive Database.

You can view microfilm on readers available in the research room. The Guide to Copy Services (PDF format) provides information about the variety of copy formats available at the Archives of Manitoba.

Copies of some Library and Archives of Canada (LAC) microfilm can also be viewed in the Research Room including ships' passenger lists, census records and other records related to Manitoba history.

Unrestricted LAC microfilm not available in the research room can be requested and sent to the Archives of Manitoba. You may wish to contact us if they have questions regarding the availability of microfilm at the Archives of Manitoba or if you would like to view Library and Archives Canada microfilm in the research room.

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