Explore PAA Research Resources
Records such as microfilms, photographs, newspapers, homestead records and maps are not always easy to find. For this reason, the Provincial Archives has created information sheets, subject guides and other types of publications to assist you in your research.
Genealogy Resources
Are you researching your family history? Searching for birth, marriage or death records? The Provincial Archives holds valuable genealogical resources to assist you in digging deeper into the past. Get started and learn how to search your genealogy.
Homestead Records
Homestead records are useful because they contain both land and biographical information about an applicant. Learn how to access our homestead records.
Newspapers
Hundreds of newspapers from communities, both large and small, in Alberta are stored on microfilm in the Reading Room.
Indigenous Resources Guide
This Guide is available as part of our online database Access to Memory (AtoM), and identifies records that relate to Indigenous peoples and communities of Alberta currently in our holdings. These records include those created by both government departments and private individuals and organizations.
Faith Organizations
The Provincial Archives of Alberta holds records for four faith organizations:
- United Church of Canada (ca. 1830s - present)
- Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate ([1785] - 2018)
- Anglican Church of Canada (ca. 1870 - ca. 2000)
- Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada (ca. 1895 - ca. 2000)
These records are not available online though some can be found on our electronic file lists.
Premiers' Papers
Are you interested in learning more about Alberta's past premiers?
Since 1905 there have been 17 Premiers of Alberta, and the Provincial Archives holds some records for almost all of the premiers. The holdings include personal records as well as those of the Premier's Office itself. This list does not include photographs or published material, but it does include some ministerial records created before service as Premier. The volume of records available for each Premier varies.
Alberta Centennial
Alberta officially became a Province of Canada on September 1, 1905. The ceremony was held in Edmonton and celebrations occurred across the Province. The Provincial Archives of Alberta holds a small quantity of textual records and many photographs documenting this historic event. Discover more about Alberta's centennial.
Publications
The Provincial Archives holds numerous publications and subject guides to assist your research. Discover online versions of some of our Publications and Subject Guides.
Forms For Services
Here you can find a number of forms for research and reproduction services provided by the Provincial Archives.