Provincial Archives of the Free State

After Union (31 May 1910) DF du Toit was appointed as the first acting archivist in the Free State. He resigned in 1923. On 29 March 1927 LB van der Walt was appointed as the first full-time archivist. He took up his post in the newly completed archives building in Elizabeth Street (currently this building is used as a Records Centre). This building was the first in South Africa to be built exclusively to be used as an archives repository. In 1996 a new repository was taken into use because of space considerations.

Public records are transferred in terms of archival legislation. Concerning non-public records, currently emphasis is placed on the collection of documents regarding the black inhabitants of the Free State as a clear gap exists regarding such records in this repository. This is done by means of an outreach programme, which was introduced in 1998. A photographic collection programme is underway where emphasis is placed on the early history of the black people and steps are being taken to preserve this heritage. All donations in the form of documents, photographs and other documentary material (books, etc.) will be accepted. Oral history interviews with black people who played significant roles in their communities, are now being added as well.