Göttingen University Archives

The University Archives have preserved the matriculation registers, charters, files, and plans of the Georg-August-University Göttingen and its faculties dating back to its inauguration in 1737. They offer comprehensive sources for research into the history of Göttingen University and the history of science. In addition, the holdings include records of the Forest Academy at Hann. Münden, the University of Applied Social Sciences at Wilhelmshaven, and, in fragmentary form, the Pedagogical College, all of which were incorporated into the University.

The total holdings of the University Archives amount to 2,300 meters, covering the period from 1733 to the present. As a special feature, the University Archives also contains the records of the former university curator and the University Registry of the Hanoverian Ministry of Culture up to 1866 (Kuratorium). Another unique aspect is the complete collection of 25,000 court records of the University Court, which existed until 1878, preserved in 25,000 legal files. Personal papers and autograph  as well as portraits of professors , however, are not part of the University Archives. 

Archiving at the Göttingen University began in 1773. As a central archive, the University Archives were founded in 1925, and have ever since served academic research.

The archival holdings are listed in the Archival Hub Arcinsys Niedersachsen-Bremen. Many holdings are also directly searchable, meaning you can search for the titles of the contained archival materials (such as charters and files). A number of highly important archival materials are also available as digital copies via Arcinsys, particularly the ‘Kuratorium' collection, including administrative records on professors and other personal  – up to around 1930 dating back to its inauguration in 1737.

Some archival materials are subject to access dates according to the local legislation (Niedersächsisches Archivgesetz). These materials are not displayed in Arcinsys and cannot be directly searched. This primarily affects files relating to living individuals (data protection). A yellow warning message will inform you if archival materials are not permitted to be displayed. In this case, please contact the University Archives via email (archiv@sub.uni-goettingen.de).

If you have hits from the Kalliope database or references in the form of ‘Cod. Ms.’, these refer to holdings that are not part of the University Archives. Please read on here: Personal Papers and Autographs.

How Can you Access Archival Materials?

There are three ways to access materials:

• Existing digitised items are available directly through Arcinsys.
• Individually, digital copies can be ordered for a fee.
• All searchable archival materials can be requested via Arcinsys for consultation in the reading room of the Historical Building of the SUB Göttingen. If needed, you may also take photographs free of charge.

Please note: The last two options require you to first create an account in Arcinsys and submit a request for access at the University Archives. The SUB Göttingen’s terms of use do not apply.