Russian State Naval Archive, Saint Petersburg

The Russian State Naval Archive is a federal repository in Saint Petersburg that houses approximately 800,000 documents organized in multiple collections covering naval operations, ship records, and port activities. The materials document the development of the Russian fleet from its earliest days through the 20th century.

The archive was established in 1724 through a verbal decree from Tsar Peter I as the Archive of Admiralty-Collegium to collect naval documents. It evolved over the following centuries into one of Russia's key repositories of seafaring history.

The archive preserves maritime heritage through maps and ship records that show how the Russian fleet developed over centuries. Visitors can understand the role naval power played in Russia's growth and expansion.

Researchers visit the archive at Zanevski Street 36 and can arrange access through phone or email contact in advance. It is helpful to reach out before your visit to ensure the materials you need are available for review.

The collection includes specialized Duma Lists that record names and positions of naval officials from the Russian Empire period until 1918. These lists are rarely found elsewhere and offer detailed insights into the structure of the imperial fleet's command.