Ark of the University – Since 1388
On February 8th, 1388 — barely two years after the founding of the University of Heidelberg — the first rector, Marsilius von Inghen, began what would become the University Archives with a small box (parva archella) in the university chest (archa universitatis) behind the main altar of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Since then, it has lost none of its relevance. The University Archives is dedicated to the preservation of documents concerning the history of the University and its legal securities. The current Archives collection contains around 5,000 meters of documents.
As a department of the rectorate, the current Archives preserves more than just documents dating back to the 1300s. It is also dedicated to the acquisition of administrative papers and records, which are no longer needed by departments and offices for administration, research or teaching, but are of lasting value to the “university's memory.” After being deemed archive and preservation worthy, documents are made available for academic research and to the public. In this way, the Archives also incorporates a public reference library focusing on University history.
The Archives does not only focus on archival “classics,” such as official books, certificates, and student and exam files, but also on personal papers, photographs, political pamphlets, plans and museum pieces, so long as they pertain to the history of University of Heidelberg.
Preserving digital documents presents a special challenge. In cooperation with archival committees and the University IT department, we are working on a solution to ensure that these documents will be readable and secure against forgery in the future. When handed down to future generations, the information on the “Digital Age” should not be more incomplete than that on centuries before.
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Corona-Update: From June 2020, the reading room of the University Archives will be open again with restrictions:
At the same time, only a maximum of 3 people are allowed to work in the reading room after prior registration. In the rooms of the archives, a mouth-and-nose cover is obligatory (it can only be removed during quiet work at the respective workplace). Persons who are or have been in contact with a corona-infected person may not enter the archives until 14 days after the last contact with this person. Persons who show symptoms of a respiratory tract infection or increased temperature may not enter the archive in accordance with the Corona Ordinance (CoronaVO).
Tuesdays: 9:00AM – 4:00PM, Wednesdays: 9:00AM – 4:00PM, Thursdays: 9:00AM – 12:30PM
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Tag der Archive 2018Heidelberg 1848, 1918 und 1968Sonntag, 4. März 2018 16:00 Uhr Vortrag und Magazinführung im Universitätsarchiv 18:00 Uhr Preview „SPK Komplex“ im Karlstorkino |
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Materiale Textkulturen
Materialität und Präsenz des Geschriebenen. Ein Blog des Sonderforschungsbereichs 933
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Ernst Moro – Goldene Jahre der Heidelberger Pädiatrie
Kabinettausstellung vom 14. November 2017 bis 26. April 2018
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1.800 Urkunden im Bestand des Universitätsarchivs werden digitalisiert
Stiftung Kulturgut Baden-Württemberg stellt Fördermittel in Höhe von knapp 160.000 Euro zur Verfügung
Bild des Monats Juli 2016 , [mehr...]
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