Central Switzerland Nidwalden archive opens up 500 linear meters of history

Over the past four years, the Nidwalden State Archives have collected and made accessible 500 linear meters of historical files. These provide insights into the history of the canton between the 17th and 20th centuries.

The major indexing project was completed in the summer, as the Nidwalden State Chancellery announced on Monday. The holdings are presented in more detail in the canton's archive showcase.

The State Archives had a particular "stroke of luck" with the discovery of fonds from the Stans Poor Relief Administration and the Nidwalden Welfare Directorate from the middle of the 20th century, State Archivist Emil Weber was quoted as saying in the press release. These were made accessible to the project to investigate the forced welfare measures in the canton.

Politically and economically significant private archives such as those of the historical Businger, Zelger and Durrer families were also included in the archive. In addition, the cultural-historical estate of the historian and state archivist Robert Durrer as well as smaller archives of Nidwalden companies that no longer exist.

According to the State Archives, the work of re-cataloging is not yet complete. Over the next two years, the collections of maps, manuscripts, photographs and audiovisual media still need to be cleaned up and indexed.

www.nw.ch/schaufensterarchiv