Digitisation of the photograph collection of the Archives of Contemporary History (ACH)

Aim of the project

The permanent photograph collection of the Archives of Contemporary History (ACH), which was opened in 1973, is to be made available digitally in the virtual reading room of the ACH. The photograph collection focuses chronologically on the First and Second World Wars as well as on Swiss matters such as mobilisation, active service, the wartime economy, refugee policy, the Fronts Movement (“Frontismus”), anti-Semitism and right-wing extremism. Some photographs were already in digital form, while others were digitised during use of the archives.

Description of the project

The photograph collection was re-evaluated in 2021 and indexed in detail. The metadata developed in connection with this process were published during the same year. The collection currently contains 4,542 photographs in 109 dossiers spanning 2.3 linear metres. More than 3,500 photographs, existing in various formats as individual prints, photograph albums and negatives, have been digitised.

Synergies and context

Digitising the stock of photographs increases the visibility of this collection of central sources of contemporary history and facilitates use by interested parties. This will satisfy the demand for seamless access to this photographic heritage. This simplified remote use also helps to preserve the originals, which will now only need to be viewed in exceptional cases.

Time frame

01.2022–04.2022