The State Archive of Novara, established by the Decree of the Italian Minister of the Interior on 18 March 1970, is an office of the Italian Ministry of Culture that protects, preserves, promotes and provides access to state archives.
In addition to its key function of protecting archival materials, the State Archive of Novara places great importance on promoting the collection of documents it preserves: holding exhibitions, organising educational visits for schools of all kinds and levels, and running work experience projects for school pupils.
Equally important are its collaborations with local authorities and cultural institutions. In 2007, it began a partnership with the local education authority to familiarise primary school children with the main monuments in the city, also using documented accounts. In the same year, a group of academics established the "Scrinium" - Friends of the State Archive of Novara Association, with the aim of promoting and raising awareness of the Institution. The Archive also collaborates with the FAI - the National Trust for Italy.
Since 2018, it has strengthened its partnership with the University of Eastern Piedmont, enabling the organisation of high-level scientific conferences.
The State Archive of Novara provides the following services:
- In accordance with the measures introduced to prevent the spread of Covid-19, open access to the study room, where visitors can study or carry out historical and administrative research with technical and scientific consultancy.
- Research via correspondence, for administrative, private, or educational purposes, conducted via email;
- Digital reproductions of conserved documents delivered in electronic format (paid service);
- Pre-booked educational visits;
- Research workshops for secondary school pupils to understand the document as a historical source.
The contact person for all services is the Director of the Institution, Davide Bruno DE FRANCO, Ph.D.
