Source: Virtual Tour of the Episcopal Archive Chur
In early June, I took part in a virtual tour of the Episcopal Archive Chur led by Dr. Albert Fischer. Today it is a newly designed, modern, simple but functional archive in the venerable Bishop's Castle of Chur.
We started in the former horse stable, which now serves as a preliminary archive and where files of all kinds are stored. The subsequent carriage archive stores files, personnel files, parish files and documents dating from the 19th century to the present day.
Dr. Fischer told us about the Historical Archive, which used to be housed in the prison of the Bishop of Chur. In the 19th century, the bishop wanted to bring order to the archive. An archivist was specially commissioned for this, who then created a register. The preface of the first register volume reads that the episcopal archive had "fallen into sad disorder".
Interestingly, all old documents, including parchment documents, were folded into C5 envelopes and stored in wooden drawers. Due to an active woodworm infestation, the wooden drawers had to be disposed of during the inspection.
The documents are now stored flat and are being restored. Of the approximately 4,000 stored documents, around 850 have been restored so far. Each year, 30 to 40 documents can be restored, according to Dr. Fischer.
Upon my question, he informed that the historical part up to 1499 is already digitized and accessible online. The digitization is done in-house with an overhead scanner, which also allows gentle digitization of thick books. Dr. Fischer digitizes everything himself.
Another topic of conversation was the reorganization of the archive. Dr. Fischer explained that for the first time two filing plans had to be completely redesigned and rebuilt (for documents and files up to 1816/19, as well as for documents and files from 1819).
In the subsequent discussion, it became apparent that access to the files is often not entirely straightforward, as structural reasons make this difficult and hierarchies must first be broken down.
I believe that the use of new technologies can offer new possibilities for easy and broad access here. So it remains exciting!
To the find book of the archive: https://www.bistumsarchiv-chur.findbuch.net/php/main.php
Thank you Dr. Albert Fischer for the very enlightening virtual tour and the deep insight into the history and organization of the Episcopal Archive Chur!
