The Lithuanian State Historical Archives (LSHA) is the largest and most important repository for documents related to Lithuanian history from the 13th century up to the declaration of independence in 1918 — and in certain areas, up to 1940. Its collections include a vast range of materials from the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania, as well as from institutions of the Russian Empire, interwar Poland, and Lithuania under German and Soviet rule.
Today, LSHA continues to serve as a vital resource for historians and genealogists alike. The archive houses over 1.3 million units and more than 16,000 linear meters of documents. Materials are available to the public and are widely used for research into Lithuanian heritage, especially for those tracing family history before 1918. The archive provides access to birth, marriage, and death records, church books, census records, land documents, and more. Certificates based on historical documents can also be requested.
Research access is available by appointment in the archive’s reading room in Vilnius.
Contact Information
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| istorijos.archyvas@archyvai.lt | |
| Phone | +370 5 219 5320 / +370 5 213 7482 |
| Address | Mindaugo g. 8, LT-03107 Vilnius, Lithuania |
| Website | archyvai.lt |