What can you find in the National Archives?

The collections of the National Archives consist of both the archives of state institutions and authorities, as well as a range of private archives. The archives are comprised primarily of documents, but in some cases also include photographs, maps, sound recordings, and films. Below are examples of what you can find in the extensive collections of the National Archives.

Parish archives: church ledgers, censuses, missionary archives, correspondence, sermons, catechist diaries, school archives, etc.

Inspectorate archives: Recors of the governor of south and north Greenland, reports, populations statistics, catch and production statistics, managerial negotiations, council and district records, etc.

Trade managers' archives: Correspondence, outpost managers' archives, censuses, manuals, account books, itemised accounts, reports, etc.

Local authority archives: Correspondence, school archives, case records, etc.

Teacher training college archives: Correspondence, sermons, students grade cards, timetables, etc.

Greenland Home Rule, Department archives

The private archives of individuals, association, and corporations

Most collections become publicly accessible after 25 years, while others are restricted for up to 80 years, depending on their content.

If you would like to request access to documents in the collections, or inquire whether finding aids or overviews of specific archival holdings are available, please use our Research Request Form. Our archivists will assist in identifying relevant material, which—if accessible—can be made available for study.