Available Records and Documents

 

It is our goal to make access to our records and documents as easy as possible. In 1997 we introduced a database to make the municipal archives accessible via internet. As our holdings measure about 2.500 linear meters plus photographs, pictures and plans only part of the inventory has been listed to the present day. But the database will be extended constantly with new records as well as older holdings. Subsequently you will find an overview of the structure of our stock and a short introduction to the particular sections.


A Altes Archiv (Documents and Records prior to 1831)

This section comprises:
- Deeds and instruments from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, including the imperial deed from 1045 with the first mention of the city’s name (Reference Number: A I)
- Ordinances, tax-registers, account-books and cadastral registers, comprising the long run of tax-registers and account-books from 1392 onward. The complete set of copy books for house and real estate sales and the cadastral registers run from 1598 to 1911, thus for practical reasons exceeding the date of 1831 (Reference Numbers A II 01 – A II 06).


B Archiv der Bügergemeinde (Archive of the Community of Citizens, 1875-1934)

The “Bürgergemeinde” is a special feature of Swiss constitutional law. It is a political entity which defines a community of native citizens, whereas the modern “Einwohnergemeinde” (municipality) comprises the inhabitants of the city, whether they obtained legal citizenship or not. After 1875 the “Bürgergemeinde” was responsible solely for public welfare and naturalizations. In 1935 the duties and responsibilities for public welfare were transferred to the municipality. The “Bürgergemeinde”, however, was now (and still is) only responsible for applications concerning naturalization. (Reference Number B III).


C Verwaltungsarchiv der Einwohnergemeinde (Archive of the Municipality, 1832-current)

The archive of the municipality constitutes the main body of our holdings. It comprises the files and records produced by the city’s administration since 1832. The records are classified in three main sections: Contracts, Civic Administration, and Justice (Reference Numbers C I – CIII). Only parts of this group are accessible online, but the database will be constantly extended.


D Sammlungen (Private Archives, Personal Papers, Archives of Companies and Organizations, Annual Reports)

The documentation on companies, organizations, houses, individuals, etc. comprises mostly smaller holdings collected and organized according to the principle of pertinence. Significant parts:
- Organizations, Clubs, Guilds, Political Parties (D I)
- Companies and Businesses (D III)
- Individuals, Personal Papers and Estates, Houses, Chronicles (D IV)
- Annual Reports of Businesses and Organizations (D VI)


E Ehemalige Gemeinden (The Archives of the incorporated villages Buchthalen and Herblingen)



F Presse, Zeitungen (Magazines and Newspapers)

Complete or substantial runs of Schaffhausen newspapers and magazines from the 19th century onwards. All articles published in the historical quarterly “Schaffhauser Magazin” are indexed in the database Handbibliothek.


G Deposita (Deposits)

These are private papers that were placed in the custody of the archive without transfer of legal title. This section comprises family archives as well as archives formed by organizations and companies. Access to this documents is regulated by the original owner. Important deposits are among others the Peyer Family Archive (Reference Number G 02.04), the Archive of the Trader’s Guild (G 00.01) and the Archive of the Archer’s Society (G 00.16).


H Pläne (Maps and Plans)

The collection of maps and plans comprises approximately 1.500 units, ranging from geographical maps to architect’s plans and constructional drawings. Important are the early survey plans of the city and it’s vicinity which identify single buildings and parcels of land. The maps and plans are not yet accessible online.


J Bilder (Pictures und Photographs)

With a large collection of more than 150.000 Photographs the municipal archives offer an excellent overview of the development of the city from the end of the 19th century to our times. You may search the database either by street or by subject. Besides photographs you will find city-views from the 16th to 19th century.


P Plakate (Posters)

Our small collection of Posters may be viewed online.