NBG Historical Archive

The Identity of the Historical Archive of NBG

The Historical Archive (HA/NBG) was established to preserve and promote the historically significant archival material of the National Bank of Greece, for which the Bank has demonstrated particular care since its establishment. As a result, it now possesses a complete historical archive, the chronological scope of which almost coincides with the existence of the modern Greek state.

The importance of this archival material lies in the decisive role that the National Bank—the country’s first credit institution—has played and continues to play in the national economy. The archives of NBG reflect the entirety of the economic history of the modern Greek state as well as significant aspects of its political, cultural and social history.

The Historical Archive provides access to its holdings that currently cover the period from 1841 to 1966, as well as to original or reproduced archival material from other institutions and individuals that have come into its possession. Since 2002, it has also been responsible for managing and presenting to the public the collections of the National Bank of Greece, with the exception of the art collection.

Today, the Historical Archive is housed in Megaro Diomidi at 146 Tritis Septemvriou st in Athens. It is active in archival, historical, research, publishing, and educational work, and is a pioneer in the application of new technologies for the management of its archival material.

History

The chronological course of the Historical Archive and the key milestones in its development reflect the National Bank’s long-standing commitment to the rescue of its archival material, thus highlighting the Archive’s role in the preservation of historical memory.

Buildings

The buildings of the Historical Archive are equipped with specially designed storage and preservation areas for archival material. They include modern facilities with appropriate environmental conditions, conservation equipment and security systems, thus ensuring the long-term preservation and organized access to the collections.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of the Historical Archive includes the Electronic Archival and Historical Information System, a multipurpose hall, a microfilming and digitization laboratory, a conservation laboratory for archival and library material as well as a specially equipped reading room.

Workflow

The workflow of the Historical Archive outlines the stages of managing archival material from acquisition to processing , the entry of information into the electronic system, the placement of material in storage areas and its provision to researchers, thus ensuring both preservation and efficient access.