Welcome to the Internet services of the municipal archives
of the City of Schaffhausen.


It is our aim to provide as much information as possible online: genealogical data, historic views and photographs of Schaffhausen and information about individuals, organizations and businesses related to the city.

We regard ourselves not only as the archive of the city’s administration but as a center of documentation for all aspects of the civic history of Schaffhausen. Our rich collections of documents and records date back to 1045 - the first mention of the city in an imperial deed. Long series of municipal account-books and tax-registers, starting 1392, reveal the city’s development from the late Middle Ages to this day. The modern history of Schaffhausen is documented not only by the administrative records but by literature, newspapers, posters, films and a large collection of photographs which are accessible online.

Our collections are constantly extended and we try to improve our service to the public by updating our website regularly. All material is available to everyone interested in the history of the City of Schaffhausen and its inhabitants, within the legal regulations, access dates and laws for the protection of data privacy.

Although most of the contents of our site are available in German only, we try to make navigation as easy as possible. Links will guide you to a short history of the city of Schaffhausen and its archives as well as to the different sections. Some of the more frequently used holdings are provided with English introductions or summaries. Please keep in mind, however, that the original documents and records are in German.