AVAILABLE SECTIONS ON THIS PAGE:
WHAT RECORDS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, OVERSEAS AND PRIVATE RECORDS DATABASE?
This database has 3 collections - (1) Straits Settlements Records, (2) overseas records and (3) private records. The Straits Settlements Records (SSR) is a collection of records relating to British administration of the Straits Settlements (SS) comprising Singapore, Penang and Malacca from 1826 to 1946. The SSR consists of several series such as despatches, letters from the Governor and Resident Councilors of the SS to the Malay Rulers, blue books detailing the schedule of taxes, duties, and other sources of revenue/expenditure of the SS and government gazettes.
Copies of records pertaining to Singapore have been acquired from overseas archives and institutions to supplement our records on the important milestones and developments in Singapore's history. The bulk of these records are from the National Archives, United Kingdom as Singapore was once part of the British Empire. Apart from the UK, NAS has also acquired copies of records from other institutions such as the National Archives of Australia and National Archives & Records Administration (USA).
Our collection of private records includes diaries, minutes of meetings, reports and other documents acquired from individuals, clubs and societies, professional bodies, religious organisations, and clan associations.
HOW DO I SEARCH?
You can search either using the basic or advanced search feature. A basic search is useful if you are starting out with your research and you would like to find as many records as possible that are relevant to a particular subject or theme. Should you wish to define specific search parameters, please click on the 'Advanced Search' tab, where you can search for records by selecting a particular source from the drop-down list. The Advanced Search will also allow you to search by a particular accession or microfilm number.
HOW DO I VIEW RECORDS?
Only the metadata of the records are made available on the database. Should you wish to view copies of these records, please submit a request using the media-image number (e.g. 2008000732-0042) or microfilm number (e.g. NAB 2043) via NAS e-Request system.
We will advise on the availability and the conditions governing viewing and reproduction for reference purposes within 5 working days. If more time is needed to respond to you, we will let you know.
We do not provide the original records or our hardcopy records for viewing as these are kept in a controlled and secured environment for long-term preservation and it is necessary to minimise handling and movements of these records.
HOW DO I REQUEST FOR COPIES OF RECORDS?
Should you wish to request for copies of certain records, please refer to the Ordering section.
Please note copyright matters and access conditions. National Archives of Singapore may in most cases, but not always, be able to give you details of the copyright owner.
Unauthorised use or reproduction of any record from Archives Online constitutes copyright violation.
HOW DO I GIVE COMMENTS OR FEEDBACK?
You can leave a comment or feedback via the Contact Us section. Alternatively, you can also drop us an email at nas@nlb.gov.sg and we will respond within 5 working days. If more time is needed to respond to you, we will let you know.
If you would like to comment on a particular record while viewing the record on Archives Online, please click on the "do you have more information on this record" link. We will review all comments and respond to your feedback.
