About us
Our city's memory – Responsibilities and function of the municipal archives
The municipal archives functions as memory, conscience and assistance to the municipality. As part of the administrative office 'Archives and records management', it preserves and manages historical records regarding Villingen-Schwenningen, the former cities of Villingen and Schwenningen and smaller, now incorporated, town districts up to 1972. We preserve and permanently store city administration records. These records include: files, official registers, digital data, photos, maps, plans and drawings, leaflets and brochures as well as audio and film. The historical records date back to the 12th century. We also archive private and company estates to complement our portfolio.
An important part of the city archives is the academic archives and museums library. It's collection encompasses over 18.000 volumes from the following subjects:
- General reference works and encyclopaedias
- Handbooks regarding archives and museums science as well as historical science and auxiliary sciences
- Literature regarding Villingen-Schwenningen's town history
- Local and regional history of Baden, Württemberg and Baden-Württemberg
- Literature according to the museum's collections focal points e.g.: archaeology, folklore, clocks, art and cultural history, exhibition catalogs and museum education
Archives and records management
A glimpse into our records archive, located at Winkelstraße 7
The administrative office 'Archives and records management' not only manages the previously mentioned archives but is also in charge of records management. Therefore, we store all closed files for Department II (technical offices) for the legally required retention period. Moreover, we manage all analog files regarding to the mayor's office. The archives for construction files can provide crucial information to house owners and builders alike.
The city's own Publishing house
The publishing house of the city publishes publications from municipal and non-city institutions. The majority of titles published so far originated from the municipal gallery, municipal archives and museums. Founded in 1988, the publishing house was initially managed by the main office. Since 2018 however it is managed by the head of the Office 'Archives and Records Management'.
Titles published by our publishing house, all use ISBN numbers and therefore can be easily found and identified.