Provincial Archives of Alberta

Provincial Archives of Alberta PAA acquires, preserves and makes available records from government, individuals and organizations.

Social media commenting rules | https://www.alberta.ca/social-media-commenting-rules The Provincial Archives of Alberta preserves and makes available for research both private and government records of all media related to the history and culture of Alberta, and serves as the permanent archival repository of the Government of Alberta. The Archives ensures a continuity of historical records of Alberta for today and tomorrow, so that the citizens of Alberta can use these records to better understand themselves. Inside the Provincial Archives of Alberta’s vaults are literally millions of primary sources that document a portion of our province's history, from photographs and audio recordings to government records and maps. Government Records:
The Provincial Archives of Alberta is the official repository for records of the Government of Alberta and its departments that are of historical significance. The Provincial Archives also collects records from private donors outside of government. Overall, the holdings of the Provincial Archives amount to over 58,700 linear meters. Private Textual Records:
People from all walks of life provide valuable information about the creation and growth of the unique society which is Alberta, as individuals, and through the organizations they form to carry on their work, their leisure, their political and social concerns, and their religious beliefs. Our private textual records include materials such as:

- Personal letters and correspondence
- Diaries and journals
- Operational records of Alberta businesses, corporations and organizations
- Records and minutes from faith organizations, clubs and community groups

Photographs:
The Provincial Archives houses over 1.845 million photographs documenting Alberta's past and moments both big and small in our history and the history of Albertans. Our holdings include the work of early photographers and studios, government departments, newspapers, and amateur photographers depicting events, activities, communities and family members. Audiovisual Records:
The Provincial Archives contains over 71,800 objects of audiovisual holdings including film, video and audio recordings. Our holdings include:

- Private home videos
- Government productions
- Feature length films
- Advertising and commercial materials
- Documentaries
- Television broadcasts
- Oral history recordings of pioneers
- Broadcasts, events, and legislative proceedings
- Music

Maps, Architectural Drawings, and Blueprints:
The Provincial Archives holds over 154,000 maps, plans and drawings almost entirely devoted to Alberta. The earliest date from 1770; cumulatively, these maps, plans and drawings chronicle the changing shape and development of Alberta and the west. Library:
The Provincial Archives' reference library also contains over 14,800 resource library books. Newspapers:
Housed on microfilm are hundreds of newspapers from communities both large and small tracing events throughout Alberta's history. Genealogical Sources:
The Provincial Archives holds a number of resources of interest to genealogists, including vital statistics records, local history books, census records, homestead records, ship passenger lists, directories and probate records.

09/08/2026

After 44 years of exploring strange worlds, seeking out new life, and boldly going where no man had gone before, Spock finally went home to Vulcan, Alberta.

A Canadian Pacific Railway surveyor named the Alberta town Vulcan in 1910, and it grew to support the surrounding agricultural community.

Gene Roddenberry named Spock’s home planet Vulcan in 1966, and through Leonard Nimoy’s performance, it grew into a global television and film franchise that inspired millions with hope for a brighter future.

While Star Trek didn’t put Vulcan on the map, the town embraced the shared name and adopted the identity of the Star Trek Capital of Canada. Nimoy’s visit in April 2010 cemented that reputation.

PR2023.0609

From the Archives to the Big Screen The films featured in this year's Annual Film Night are drawn from the records donat...
09/07/2026

From the Archives to the Big Screen

The films featured in this year's Annual Film Night are drawn from the records donated by filmmaker Tom Radford to the Provincial Archives of Alberta. Produced between 1970 and 2000, these documentaries capture the people, places, and conversations of their time.

Join us for this opportunity to experience a selection of Tom Radford's films and learn more about the archival records that preserve his legacy. Mark your calendars and join us for this free event!

Admission is free. Seating is limited and available until theatre capacity is reached.

📅 September 18
⏰ Doors 6pm, Show 6:30pm
📍 Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre

Following the screenings, stay for a Q&A with Tom Radford.

Learn more about the Tom Radford fonds by visiting: https://searchprovincialarchives.alberta.ca/tom-radford-fonds

The September Labour Day long weekend for many is one of the last weekends of summer to enjoy the great outdoors before ...
09/06/2026

The September Labour Day long weekend for many is one of the last weekends of summer to enjoy the great outdoors before back to school and the change of the season. These campers from 80 years ago look ready for a great day out on the lake!

What are your favorite lake activities? Boating, fishing, or just relaxing out on the beach? Share in the comments below!

PAA: PA900.2
Johnston’s Auto Tent Cabins – Patricia Lake 1946

Any guesses as to what this contraption might be? Add your thoughts to the comments below and we will reveal the answer ...
09/04/2026

Any guesses as to what this contraption might be?

Add your thoughts to the comments below and we will reveal the answer on September 8th.

Célébrez l’Année de la francophonie avec les Archives provinciales et la Société historique francophone de l’Alberta! No...
09/03/2026

Célébrez l’Année de la francophonie avec les Archives provinciales et la Société historique francophone de l’Alberta! Nous vous invitons aux Archives Provinciales à une conférence gratuite de Carol Léonard, Professeur agrégé retraité de l’Université de l’Alberta. Signalez votre présence en répondant au courriel [email protected].

🎬 Save the Date: The View From Alberta: Films by Tom Radford The Provincial Archives of Alberta invites you to its 38th ...
09/02/2026

🎬 Save the Date: The View From Alberta: Films by Tom Radford

The Provincial Archives of Alberta invites you to its 38th Annual Film Night on Friday, September 18 at Metro Cinema in Edmonton.

This year's program showcases a selection of films by acclaimed Alberta filmmaker, producer, and Member of the Order of Canada Tom Radford. Spanning several decades of filmmaking, these documentaries reflect Radford's long career documenting the people, communities, landscapes, and experiences that have shaped Alberta and western Canada.

Drawn from the records that Tom Radford donated to the Provincial Archives of Alberta, the films being screened were produced between 1970 and 2000 and provide a historical perspective on themes including environmental conservation, land and water use, Indigenous rights, and immigration. As archival works, they reflect the issues, events, and conversations of their time.

Following the screenings, attendees will have an opportunity to hear from Tom Radford during a special Q&A discussion about his career and the stories behind his films.

The Provincial Archives of Alberta preserves the records of Tom Radford's distinguished filmmaking career, including photographs, audiovisual recordings, and textual materials documenting his work with several production companies and the National Film Board of Canada. These records help preserve an important part of Alberta's documentary filmmaking heritage for future generations.

📅 Friday, September 18
⏰ Doors 6pm, Show 6:30pm
📍 Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre

Admission is free. Seating is limited and available until theatre capacity is reached.

Alberta became a province on September 1, 1905. Today, we celebrate Alberta Day — a time to honour the spirit, culture, ...
09/01/2026

Alberta became a province on September 1, 1905.
Today, we celebrate Alberta Day — a time to honour the spirit, culture, and heritage that make this province unique.

As you celebrate, take a moment to explore the stories that shaped Alberta. The Provincial Archives of Alberta is here to help you discover the people, places, and moments that built our province.

Come visit us at the Provincial Archives of Alberta and explore Alberta’s history firsthand.

Step into Alberta’s past and uncover the stories that shaped the pr...

08/31/2026

Please note that the Provincial Archives of Alberta will be closed on Monday, September 7 for Labour Day.

The PAA will re-open on Tuesday, September 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Today might be a  perfect day to explore, learn, celebrate, and enjoy everything this province has to offer. Check out A...
08/30/2026

Today might be a perfect day to explore, learn, celebrate, and enjoy everything this province has to offer.

Check out Alberta Day events happening today:

👉 alberta.ca/alberta-day

Late Summer Saturday vibes PAA: A5649 First Fruit trees in Peace River Region, Alberta [19-]
08/29/2026

Late Summer Saturday vibes

PAA: A5649
First Fruit trees in Peace River Region, Alberta
[19-]

Address

8555 Roper Road
Edmonton, AB
T6E5W1

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Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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