State Archives in Mons, National document repository in Mons, Belgium
The State Archives in Mons is a large document repository holding millions of pages of historical records, administrative files, and genealogical materials from Belgian institutions and private collections. The rooms are organized systematically to help researchers find specific documents.
The facility was established after Belgium's independence in 1830 as part of the national archives network to preserve government and provincial records. Over decades, the collections grew through donations and systematic acquisition to create a comprehensive historical documentation.
The archives hold parish registers and civil status documents that show how Belgian society changed over time. Visitors can see these records and trace how people lived and how their communities functioned in earlier periods.
The reading rooms are open from Tuesday to Friday and require advance registration to ensure a quiet working environment for all visitors. It helps to research which materials are available beforehand to make the most of your time there.
A medieval document from 1176 was returned to the collection in 2023 after decades in an international institution. This recovery shows how archives track down lost treasures and bring them back to their original homes.
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