State Records of South Australia is the government archives of South Australia and holds a large part of the state’s official documentary heritage. The archive commenced operating in South Australia in 1919, making State Records the oldest government archive in Australia.

They hold records covering almost every facet of state and local government administration within South Australia. Their records, therefore, provide valuable insight and knowledge about the lives of South Australians. The State Records collection holds many maps, plans, registers, films and photographs, in addition to thousands of documents dating from the earliest days of European settlement to recent times.

State Records of South Australia hold the official records of state and local government and statutory bodies including:

• Department of Lands: Immigrant ships’ papers, 1849-1885; Lists of assisted immigrants, 1845-1886; Various, c1835-1985; Various lands records, journals, correspondence, 1834-1850.
• Hospitals Department: Admission registers, 1840-1926; Various, c1848-1982.
• Destitute Persons Department: Registers of admissions, 1870-1924.
• Attorney General’s Department: Coroner’s reports from police, 1879-1910.
• Corporate Affairs (ASC): Various, c1884-1991.
• Engineering and Water Supply Department: Various, c1860-1990.
• Police Department: Various, c1838-1980.
• Governor’s Office: Letters patent, 1836;
• Governor Hindmarsh’s Commission, 1836.
• Colonial Secretary’s Office: Correspondence, 1836-1856.
• Colonisation Commissioners: Despatches, 1836-1847.
• Education Department: School admission registers, c1870-1996.

The Research Centre is open Tuesday to Thursday 9:30 am – 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm by appointment.

For Enquiries:  please use their online enquiry form

Postal Address:
GPO Box 464 Adelaide 5001