The Archives of Contemporary History at ETH Zurich collects written, audio and visual documents from private collections on the history of Switzerland from the late 19th century to the present. Its services support teaching and research on Swiss contemporary history in an international context. By safeguarding cultural heritage from contemporary history, it fulfills a task of national importance. As a so-​called special archive, it complements the state's tradition-​building activities. Its activities are supported by the ETH Zurich, by various foundations and by individual private sponsorship.