Donate archival records

The City of Winnipeg Archives collects, preserves, and makes accessible records documenting the decisions and activities of civic government and the development of our city. Our goal is to preserve a richer and more complete history of Winnipeg and its communities. We value a diversity of experiences. 

We collect City records and receive donations from individuals and organizations that the City Archivist determines to have enduring historical value to the City of Winnipeg.

We prefer to receive original records, not copies.

We accept original:

  • Documents
  • Photographs
  • Maps
  • Architectural drawings
  • Sound recordings
  • Moving images
  • Pamphlets and reports
  • Postcards
  • Artifacts (evaluated on a case-by-case basis)
  • Other types of records relating to Winnipeg and its residents

We also collect and preserve digital records according to professional standards. We review donations of digital records on a case-by-case basis. When evaluating these donations, we consider file size, format, and other criteria.

We do not accept:

  • Publications such as newspapers and magazines
  • Photocopies
  • Single items without context and/or documentation
  • Duplicates of items we already have in the collection

How to donate to the Archives

To donate to the Archives, please email archives@winnipeg.ca:

  • Include as much background information as possible (e.g., name of creator, number of items, record types, subject matter, dates of creation, history of ownership, physical condition, and other details)
  • We will contact you to discuss your donation
  • We may ask you to provide a list and information on the person or organization that created the records

Donations undergo a review and approval process. We don't accept all records. Decisions are based on our collections mandate, the physical condition of the records, our capacity to care for them, and other criteria.

Please do not drop off or send your records before contacting us.

If your donation is accepted

If your donation is accepted by the Archives, we will give you an Instrument of Gift or Agreement to review and complete. This will cover ownership, copyright, use, and access.

We prefer not to have any access restrictions. However, we recognize that records with sensitive and/or personal information may need special consideration.

Records in archival collection are typically accessible to the public. They are used for research, reproduction, publication, and exhibit purposes. Items may also be described and made available online through the Archives website.

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.