Mission

Archiefbank Vlaanderen is creating a central database of Flemish private archives. The intention is to comprehensively map out this heritage, and in so doing to contribute to protecting and enhancing the value of these archives. The first data were introduced at the end of 2004, and the general public has been able to consult the database on the internet since April 2005.

Protection by registration

Public-law archives are protected by the Archive Act of 1955, but no safety net exists for the archives of individuals, families or private-law institutions. These archives are often endangered: they get lost when passed on from one generation to the next, are sold or disappear abroad. Archiefbank systematically tracks down private archives and gathers information. By registering the archives in the database, Archiefbank wishes to contribute to the preservation and management of this valuable Flemish heritage.

User-friendly search tool

Archiefbank centralises the available information about Flemish private archives in an online database. This search tool is freely available to researchers, students and the general public. The database includes data about private archives which are to be found in national and municipal archives, private archive repositories, libraries, universities, documentation centres as well as in the hands of private individuals. The database seeks to be a starting point in the search for archives.

Cooperation

Archiefbank is an open and collective joint venture. The database is built up in close collaboration with the partners from the broader heritage sector and with all those interested in the Flemish archival heritage.

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