Introduction

The Archive of the National Museum of Ireland (NMIAS) is designated as a place of deposit under the National Archives Act, 1986 and is responsible for preserving and providing access to its historical papers, collections records and relevant collections of private archives acquired by the Museum. The Archive Service also plays a role in the records management of the institution.

The NMIAS is a component part of the Registration Department of the National Museum of Ireland and since May 2008 has been staffed by a professional Archivist & Records Manager. The Archivist is responsible for co-ordinating the Museum’s archive and records service on NMI’s five sites [Collins Barracks, Kildare Street, Merrion Street, Collections Resource Centre and Turlough Park], although access to the archives in Archaeology, Folklife and Natural History is currently administered by members of the curatorial staff.

About us

• Mission Statement

• Overview of the National Museum of Ireland’s Archive Collection

• Types of Original Documentary Sources Available for Research

• Arrangement of Archives of the National Museum of Ireland

• Description of Archives

• Reproduction of Archives

• Access

Mission Statement

The Archive and Records Service endeavours at all times to fulfil its mission:

• To acquire, preserve, process and make available the official historical papers and collections documentation of the National Museum of Ireland

• To acquire, preserve, process and make available collections of private papers of persons, events or organizations felt to be relevant to the work of the National Museum of Ireland 

• To advise colleagues on record keeping in the National Museum of Ireland to ensure the development of the institution is recorded 
   

Overview of the National Museum of Ireland’s Archive Collection

The Archive Collection consists primarily of the administrative records of the National Museum of Ireland from 1877 to the present day. It also contains records relating to the Museums of the Royal Irish Academy and the Royal Dublin Society. These documents contain acquisition details for the Museum’s artifacts, correspondence with donors and lenders, policies and procedures relating to the development of the National Museum of Ireland, details of exhibitions, public programmes and documents relating to the move to the Collins Barracks, Turlough Park and Collections Resource Centre sites. The Archive also contains some collections of papers of key individuals and organisations associated with the objects housed in the National Museum of Ireland.

Types of Original Documentary Sources Available for Research

• Museum Accession Registers

• Correspondence (excluding material subject to closure)

• Details of research undertaken by museum Curators

• Exhibition Briefs

• Excavation Records

• Topographical Files

• Licenses to Excavate and to Alter and Export Archaeological Objects

• Minutes of Meetings

• Draft Annual Reports

• Private Photographic Collections

• Private Paper Collections

• Oral history interviews

• Digital archives

Arrangement of Archives of the National Museum of Ireland

The Archive Collection reflects the work of the curatorial divisions of the Museum: Decorative Arts and History, Natural History, Archaeology and Country Life and its Collections and Operations Departments: including Education, Registration, Photography, Administration and Facilities and is arranged and stored accordingly. The archive also houses the archives of the NMI Directorate, which contains the papers of NMI’s previous Directors. Private paper collections, which acquired, are arranged as appropriate.

Description of Archives

When processed, the Archives will be described at collection level (fonds) according to ISAD (G) (The International Standard for Archival Description, General). The Museum uses Adlib Archives, which is IGAD (G) compliant, as its primary finding aid.       

Reproduction of Archives

NMIAS is happy to provide limited reproductions of archives when such reproductions will not damage the original, violate copyright or Data Protection Act, the Copyright Policy of the National Archives of Ireland or violate any restrictions imposed by the donor. Please note that processing time for reproduction requests can vary depending on the volume of orders placed and the resources available in the Archive and Records Service.

Access

The National Museum of Ireland is obliged to provide access to its official papers under the terms of the National Archives Act. Please note that although the Museum’s Archives are public records and are generally available for public consultation some may be subject to a closure period in line with NMI Archive Policy. Access to the archives is available to the public by appointment only. Appointments to consult the central archival collection and archives in the Art and Industrial Division can be made by contacting the Archivist at archive@museum.ie. Access to the Archives of Natural History, Archaeology and Folklife can be made by contacting the Divisional Duty Officer.

Name: Christina Tse
Title: NMI Archivist & Records Manager
Address:
National Museum of Ireland Archives Service
Registration Department
Block 10
National Museum of Ireland
Collins Barracks
Benburb Street
Dublin 7
Ireland
Email: ctse@museum.ie
Central Archive Queries: archive@museum.ie
Website: www.museum.ie
Telephone: 00353 (0)1 897 2272

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