What to expect
The National Archives of Seychelles are tasked with preserving the rich history of the islands and with safeguarding and displaying valuable government records. The collection goes back to the early 1770s, when the first people settled in Seychelles. A large collection of photographs from times gone by is also kept here.
The keepers of the soul of Seychelles history, the researchers, are friendly and efficient, and will make your time at the National Archives pleasant and informative.
The archives were established by ordinance in 1964. The first officially appointed archivist, Captain A. W. T. Webb, had previously rescued colonial documents that were being stored in poor conditions. Today the archives department includes a research and enquiries section, a notarial section, a genealogy section and a section for receiving and processing records. Services include digital searches, document lamination and internet access.
The building is above all a place for research and reading. Whether there is currently a public exhibition for visitors could not be confirmed. A visit is most worthwhile if you want to research family history or historical documents. For a general overview of the history of the islands, the National Museum of History is the better address.
Getting there
To the Helena Building on Ile du Port
Ile du Port is a man-made island about 2 km from Victoria, linked to Mahé by a causeway. According to press reports, the Helena Building stands opposite the Victoria North petrol station. The National Assembly building is on the same island. The easiest way to reach the archives from Victoria is by car or taxi. Tell the driver "Helena Building, Ile du Port".
By bus
I could not confirm whether any bus route goes directly to the Helena Building, or which one. Ask at the bus station in Victoria for a service towards Ile du Port. The drivers know the route. If you are not sure, take a taxi.
The former building in Victoria
If you want to see the old site, here are Karl's directions. The building is no longer the archives, but it is in the centre of Victoria. From the Clocktower head south along Francis Rachel Road to the Stadium Car Park, then follow Francis Rachel Street on foot. The National Library stands between the car park and the roundabout with the Unity Monument. It lies between 5th June Avenue and Francis Rachel Avenue, next to the Carrefour des Arts.
By bus: from the bus station drive east along Palm Street and turn south into 5th June Avenue. Continue straight over the roundabout with the Bicentennial Monument. Shortly before the next roundabout, with the Unity Monument, the building is on the right-hand side of the road.
Opening hours, contact and costs
| Detail | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Seychelles National Archives, Helena Building, Ile du Port, Mahé |
| Postal address | P.O. Box 720, Victoria |
| Phone | +248 4224229 or +248 4224214 |
| info@seychellesnationalarchives.sc | |
| Previous opening hours (old location) | Monday to Friday 08:00 to 16:00, Saturday 09:00 to 12:00, closed on Sundays and public holidays |
| Payment | Cash only so far |
The earlier hours applied to the old building. The archives' website gives different hours for the new location, but they look like placeholders. Please phone before you visit, especially if you plan to do research. According to older information, an appointment was required for family history research, and research was charged for. Current fees are best confirmed directly with the archives. No admission price for ordinary visitors is known.
Tips for your visit
If you are not doing research, do not plan on spending much time here. For family history research a morning can pass quickly, because staff first have to find the records. Victoria is at its quietest in the morning.
Combine the visit with a walk around town. The centre has the National Museum of History, the Carrefour des Arts, Kenwyn House and the Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market. You will find more about the island on the Mahé page.
