Maritime History Archives is probably the second busiest resource available in Newfoundland. Many researchers visiting the archives are interested in tracing their family history and conducting genealogical research. For genealogists with Newfoundland roots, the archives has several collections of particular interest such as the Keith Matthews name files; Newfoundland plantation books (1804-1810); English Parish collection (1530-1830); Irish Parish collection (1671-1900); Census records; Student Papers on people, communities, history, etc; Mercantile Records; Registrar General of Shipping and Seaman, Agreements and Accounts of Crew (1863-1938, 1951-1976) and much more.

The Archives is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (4:00 from June to September). They are closed for lunch between 1:00 and 2:00 pm daily. The archives will also respond to written, faxed, e-mailed and telephone inquiries. For anyone visiting, they have a guide and finding aid to all records that they hold there and a staff is on hand to help and answer all your queries. A must for those researching their roots in Newfoundland, especially those related to anything to do with the fishing and sailing in Newfoundland. There is no charge or entrance fee for people visiting the archives and meter parking in available in designated zones.