Landeshauptarchiv Schwerin

Archival work in the Mecklenburg region can be traced back to the 15th century. Today's archive building (am Burgsee) was designed in 1909-1911 by architect Paul Ehmig. After World War II considerable work was done to return and collect archival materials that were redistributed during the war. Since the re-establishment of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in 1990, holdings of the Archives were significantly enriched through the acquisition of records of dissolved state and economic institutions, former parties and organizations. Since 1 January 2006, the Landeshauptarchiv Schwerin became part of the Landesamt für Kultur und Denkmalpflege. 

Holdings of the Main State Archives include the following collections:Älteres Aktenarchiv (older records), Mecklenburgische Landstände einschließlich ritterschaftliche Grundherrschaften und Landstädte (Mecklenburger estates), Mecklenburg-Strelitz 1701-1933, Mecklenburg Schwerin 1849-1933/Mecklenburg 1934-1945, State of Mecklenburg (-Vorpommern) 1945-1952, Bezirke Schwerin und Neubrandenburg 1952-1990 (districts), Nichtmecklenburgische Behörden und Einrichtungen (other authorities and establishments), maps, pictures, photographs, films and sound recordings 

Use of the Archives for research purposes is available to the public. Reserving a seat in the reading room is necessary prior to one's visit, and particular documents can additionally be requested in advance.