The Latvian State Historical Archive (Latvijas Valsts vēstures arhīvs) holds an extensive and invaluable collection of documents dating from 1220 to 1945. Its holdings include records from the Vidzeme and Kurzeme knighthood chancelleries, the Duchy of Kurzeme, Baltic Governor General, Governors of Vidzeme and Kurzeme, as well as Riga City Archives, church and congregation records, and private collections. The archive is also home to materials from the Republic of Latvia (1918–1940) and the German occupation period (1941–1945).
This archive is a key resource for Latvian genealogy, especially for tracing birth, marriage, and death records, church books, land ownership documents, and more.
Research access is available through two reading rooms in Riga — on Slokas iela and Palasta iela — both of which require prior appointment. See contact details and opening hours below.
Contact Information
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| lvva@arhivi.gov.lv | |
| Phone (General) | +371 29521049 / +371 20017505 |
| Reading Room – Slokas iela | Phone: +371 26817957 Email: lvva.lasitava@arhivi.gov.lv |
| Reading Room – Palasta iela | Phone: +371 20392356 |
| Address | Slokas iela 16, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia |
| Website | arhivi.gov.lv |
Common types of genealogy records include:
- Birth records
- Marriage records
- Death records
- Church books
- Census records
- Land ownership documents
- Military records
- Probate and wills
- Immigration records
- School registers
…and more.
We have specialists working with this archive. If you need help accessing records there, feel free to contact us using the form.