Stadsarchief Amsterdam Updates Public Access Rules for Personal Records
The Stadsarchief Amsterdam, the city's historical archive for Amsterdam, has announced significant changes to how personal historical data is made publicly available. These updates, effective from 2025, impact researchers and individuals seeking information about ancestors or their own past.
Understanding the New 105-Year Rule
Previously, the archive used a "100-year rule," making indexed personal data public annually for individuals born 100 years prior. Starting in 2025, this will transition to a "105-year rule." Consequently, there will be no bulk release of personal records between 2025 and 2030. This adjustment is due to the increasing number of centenarians, making the previous rule less practical for public record releases.
Online Availability and Matched Records
Moving forward, the Stadsarchief will only display records of deceased individuals online. This decision follows a comprehensive matching project in 2023. During this initiative, the archive collaborated with the Center for Family History to compare death records with personal data held by the Stadsarchief Amsterdam, confirming which records could be made public. More information on the large-scale matching project can be found here.
Requesting Records for Deceased Individuals
If you wish to access records for someone who has passed away, the Stadsarchief can make the relevant data public. The archive likely holds records for individuals born or residing in Amsterdam between 1939 and 1994.
To submit a request for public disclosure, please send the following details to [email protected]:
- Full name of the deceased
- Date of birth and death
- Proof of death, such as a funeral card or death notice
Accessing Your Own Historical Information
For individuals born or having lived in Amsterdam between 1939 and 1994, it is probable that records exist within the Stadsarchief's systems. To inquire about your own records, send an email to [email protected] with:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
Note that birth certificates are only transferred to the Stadsarchief 100 years after the birth year. Until then, these can be requested from the Department of Civil Affairs of the Municipality of Amsterdam.
What Personal Data is Generally Public?
Certain indexed entries are inherently public, including those in military registers, police reports from 1940-1945, passport applications from 1940-1945, and records of forced laborers. Furthermore, a significant portion of other source documents and personal data entries are fully public.
However, some exceptions apply:
- Special Registers: A section of institutional records maintained up to 1934 will remain restricted until 2034.
- Temporary Residence Registers: Two parts, also updated until 1934, are restricted until 2034.
- Market Cards: The second supplement, comprising 136 parts, is restricted until December 31, 2048 (50 years after the file closure).
- Housing Cards: Records for special and secret addresses are restricted until 2084.
Scans of archive and personal cards, as well as alien registration cards, are expected to be added at a later date.
These changes aim to balance public access with privacy considerations for historical records. For visitors interested in exploring more about Amsterdam's rich history or finding other cultural institutions, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a platform to browse museums in Amsterdam or explore the city map for unique cultural spots.
