*For Researchers
Learn how to begin your research for records and whether you need to visit us in-person.
Useful links:
For more information about materials at the BC Archives, see What We Have.
Where to Start your Research
The BC Archives has a large collection of materials, and there is more than one way to begin your research.
You can search our online catalogues to see what materials we hold. There are three databases you can search:
We also maintain research guides, which provide search strategies for a variety of topics. See Guides, Indexes and Inventories.
Searching and finding records and materials at BC Archives
The BC Archives has a large collection of materials in many formats. It is possible that there are resources at BC Archives relevant to your search topic; finding them in our vast holdings can require time, patience, and some skill.
To start your search, we suggest searching our databases and reviewing any Guides, Index and Inventories that might be relevant.
You can also submit a reference request to get help from our staff in searching our collections, accessing our holdings, and requesting reproductions. Due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we cannot conduct extensive research on behalf of clients.
If you need additional support with your research or locating records, consider hiring a professional researcher.
Get Research Support
No appointment is needed to visit the BC Archives. However, there are situations where we might require advanced notice to serve you best (for example, to order materials located offsite, or to review records for restrictions).
To make the most of your visit, please review the information in Plan Your Visit before you arrive.
It is possible that we do hold the materials you are looking for, even if your searches so far have not returned results. There are several reasons why search results might not come up, including: variants in spellings and names/keywords used over time; errors in machine transcription; and materials being described at the level of records groups, rather than at the item level.
If you are having trouble finding results in our databases, you can try:
- Using the search tips in Genealogy search how-to and BC Archives Collections Search how-to
- Trying variations in spelling and different keywords, including historical and outdated terminology, and using wildcards in your search
- Broadening your search
- Getting in touch with us by sending a reference inquiry (Needs a page)
We know not everyone can visit during our regular staffed hours—that’s why the reference room is open late on weekdays (until 6:00 p.m.) and on Saturdays (10:00-4:00). There are no BC Archives staff on site during these times, so no original records can be retrieved, but we’re happy to set items aside for you in a locker. Security guards will direct you to your locker when you visit. Some archival materials, including original photographs, maps, rare books and fragile records, are not available after hours.
To request a locker for after-hours access, contact ACCESS@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. For more information about locker services, see Plan A Visit-Locker Services.