Estonia Archives and Libraries

Introduction
One difficulty in Estonian research is the dispersal of sources among various archives. Records can be found in the Estonian Historical Archives, the National Archives of Sweden, the Russian State Archives, the Latvian State Historical Archives, and elsewhere. Historically, archival records in Estonia were well-maintained. One reason for this was to ensure their right to own private property, no matter which power ruled over them.

Estonian American National Council, Inc.
The purpose of the Estonian American National Council is: "Collecting of Estonian-American materials began before the establishment of the Estonian Archives in the U.S. This included valuable materials from more than a century ago. The overwhelming abundance of preserved, collected and deposited materials has come from Estonians who immigrated to America from the Displaced Persons Camps in Germany, 1945-1950. As a result of a formal appeal in 1965 for additional material about that the DP period a substantial collection was in place and archived. This was initially housed for safe keeping in numerous Estonian American homes."

The Estonian Archives of the United States can be found: Estonian Archives in the U.S., Inc. (EAUS).

Estonian Historical Archives
The archives are located in Tartu.

The National Archives of Sweden
Original sources concerning the history of Estonian people from the 17th up to the first half of the 20th century can be found in these archives.

Russian State Historical Archives
Original sources concerning the history of Estonian people from the 17th up to the first half of the 20th century can be found in these archives.

Latvian State Historical Archives
Original sources concerning the history of Estonian people from the 17th up to the first half of the 20th century can be found in these archives.

Archives Portal Europe

 * Archives Portal Europe provides access to information on archival material from Belgium as well as information on archival institutions throughout the European continent.