ARCHIVES DÉPARTEMENTALES DE LA MEUSE

The Archives départementales were created during the French Revolution, in 1796, in order to collect and allow consultation of the archives of religious establishments (abbeys, parishes...) and Ancien Régime administrations (bailliages, intendances...) abolished by the revolutionary laws. Since then, archives produced by departmental or state administrations, communes, hospitals or even private individuals have been added. In addition, the Archives' library includes Meuse newspapers dating back to the mid-19th century, as well as local history books and journals.

The departmental archives are responsible for
- Collect public archives and private documents of historical interest
- Preserve these documents in the best possible conditions
- Classify them, drawing up inventories to enable access for research purposes
- Communication to public authorities and the general public
- Cultural and educational activities, in particular by organizing exhibitions and supporting educational activities.

Today, the total number of documents conserved represents almost 24 linear kilometers; the oldest archives date back to 943 and the most recent to the current year. This is the department's written memory, open to government departments and the public for the justification of rights and administrative or historical research. In fact, by consulting these archives, it is possible, for example, to trace the history of a house or a commune, to study old plans of the territory or parcels of the land register, to trace one's ancestors through genealogy, to consult the military registers of soldiers from the First World War, etc.

Throughout the year, the Archives départementales de la Meuse offer a wide range of cultural activities: exhibitions, conferences, workshops or group visits, events for young visitors...

Reading room opening hours: Monday to Thursday (Monday to Wednesday from summer 2024, subject to change).

Group activities: Monday to Friday, by prior arrangement.

DATAtourisme France