National Archives of Singapore.

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National Archives of Singapore (NAS) was formed in August 1993 with the amalgamation of the National Archives and the Oral History Department. It is responsible for the collection and management of records pertaining to the nation’s political, social and economic history. Apart from public records, NAS also identifies and collects records of historical significance from private sources, both locally and overseas. In 1993, both NAS and the National Museum of Singapore were brought under the administration of the National Heritage Board.

History of National Archives of Singapore (NAS).

The National Archives was originally established in 1968 for the preservation and administration of the archives. This treasure house has records dating as far back as 1800, 19 years before the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles. The Oral History Centre records dcuments, preserves and disseminates information on the history of Singapore through the oral history methodology.

Who Are They?

The National Archives of Singapore (NAS) houses the collective memory of our nation. This memory allows current and future generations Of Singaporeans to understand our different cultures, explore our common heritage and appreciate who we are and how we became a nation.

As the official custodian of the corporate memory of the government, NAS manages public records and provides advice to government agencies on records management. From government files, private memoirs, historical maps and photographs to oral history interviews and audio-visual materials, NAS is responsible for the collection, preservation and management of Singapore’s public and private archival records, some of which date back to the early 19th century.

NAS protects the rights of citizens by providing evidence and accountability of government actions. Its repository of archival materials makes NAS an important research centre for those in search of information about the country’s history. NAS also promotes public interest in our nation’s history and heritage through educational programmes and exhibitions.

What do they do?

NAS aims to build a comprehensive documentary heritage of our nation and to become a leading resource centre for the research and dissemination of information on the history of Singapore. It has a selection of archival materials available for viewing by the public, including public records, building plans, oral history recordings, photographs, electronic records and an audio-visual collection of microfilms, films, videotapes, colour slides, negatives and maps.

The Oral History Centre, administered by the NAS, sets out to interview and tape historical reminiscences of individuals. Its role is to record, document, preserve and disseminate information on subjects of significance to nation-building.

NAS’s Historic Sites Unit, formed on 1 October 1996, identifies and commemorates buildings and sites where historic events had taken place. Other than military sites, the Unit plans, coordinates and implements the marking of economic, cultural and educational sites.

Types of services they provide:

(1) Records Management And Preservation.
NAS implements an effective records management programme for the public service.
Vital records are scanned and output onto microfilms for preservation in climate-controlled conditions. Records with intrinsic value are carefully conserved. In 2003, NAS achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification in imaging and conservation services, in recognition of quality and operational efficiency in our key preservation processes.

(2) Providing Access
The value of archives lies in their continuing relevance to people who need them to understand the past, write research papers, as evidence of rights and obligations, or simply as creative inspiration. Public access to their collections is available through our Archives Reference Room or online at www.a2o.com.sg.

(3) Sharing Knowledge
In addition to our core work in protecting and preserving its archives, NAS shares expertise with the community through consultation and training. They run regular seminars on using archival resources, records management and oral history methodology. In partnership with local universities, NAS provides internships and courses on archives and records management. They also conduct guided tours of NAS to educate the public on the nuts and bolts of archival work.

(4) Archives Conservation Services
Archives Conservation Lab provides professional conservation services for paper records such as anoxic treatment, deacidification, leafcasting, mechanical cleaning, manual repair, tissue mounting, encapsulation and high value (rare) book binding using archival method. Their customers include government agencies, companies as well as private collectors. Their experienced conservators will be able to recommend the type of treatment(s) required and provide an estimation of the charges based on the physical condition of the records as well as offering advice on proper storage and handling methods.

Public Education
As part of their mission to promote an awareness of Singapore’s history, NAS has several outreach programmes to cater to your specific needs.

(1) Travelling Exhibitions
NAS has put together an array of travelling exhibitions to suit all age groups and audiences. Our exhibitions travel to schools, community clubs, shopping centres and other locations in Singapore. They are available for booking at a fee throughout the year. 

(2) Online Exhibitions
Some of their more popular travelling exhibitions are now available to you at the click of the mouse. The online exhibitions are enhanced interactive multimedia versions of NAS’ previous, current and forthcoming exhibitions that are touring the schools and other locations in Singapore.

(3) Internship And Attachment Programmes For Students
Student internships/attachments are offered to schools on an annual basis. The programme aims to introduce them to NAS and its functions by allowing them practical hands-on experience in areas like conservation, documentation, automation and research. Students are given the opportunity to interact with professionals and thus able to expand their future career options. Through the attachment, students will also be imbibed with positive work values and attitudes.

(4) Student Projects
Every year, NAS receives several batches of students from the schools and institutions of higher learning such as the polytechnics, for attachment programmes. To ensure that the students apply their knowledge and skills obtained during their stint with NAS, they are encouraged to submit projects related to their course of studies and to NAS’ mission.

Social Media Tools Used- a2o

IT savvy Singaporeans today expect “instant” information to be made available via Internet. To meet the increasing demand for on-line research and to remain relevant in the Knowledge Age, National Heritage Board (NHB) as a major content provider on heritage information, needs to ride on the changing mindset and expectation and re-engineer information delivery mechanism.

The National Archives of Singapore (NAS) developed the Access to Archives Online Singapore (a²O), a one-stop portal site on heritage information dating back to 17th century. a²O allows users to seamlessly search information across NHB’s various independent databases and view selected photographs, maps and plans, listen to oral history interview samplers and watch snippets of audio-visual recordings, round the clock. In addition, a2o also provides information on recently acquired materials by NAS, Online Exhibitions, how to access our archival collection as well as student programmes.