The Heritage Centre (HC), an initiative by the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), is located at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lahore Fort.
HERITAGE
The Heritage Centre (HC), an initiative by the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), is located at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lahore Fort.
The Archives and Libraries Division, under the Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority (WCLA), is dedicated to establishing and maintaining archives and libraries. Our current flagship project is the Lahore Fort Archive and Library, located at Kharak Singh Haveli within the Lahore Fort. This facility houses primary source materials, historical documents, photographs, and other culturally significant items.
Our main objectives include preserving, cataloging, and maintaining historical records, artifacts, and documents related to cultural heritage. We also offer services to scholars, archives, libraries, and publishers to ensure these resources are accessible for research and education.
In August 2023, we made a remarkable discovery of over 15,000 archival files and thousands of glass plates, negatives, and photographs in two neglected storerooms at Kharak Singh Haveli, Lahore Fort. This discovery marked a significant turning point for heritage preservation in Punjab.
The Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority (PWCA) quickly assembled a team of 12 archivists and historians to survey, catalog, restore, digitize, and display these records, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
The Lahore Fort Archives house approximately 15,000 files, 4,000 glass slides, thousands of negatives, and photographs and hundreds of rare maps of conservation sites and historical monuments.
Our Library includes 19,000 rare books, journals, and brochures. Together, they offer comprehensive insights into the region's cultural and historical legacy.
We are committed to preserving and digitizing our records and archival materials. This initiative aims to make these resources accessible internationally, fostering cross-border collaboration in heritage preservation.
Our Archival Laboratory is equipped with several sections, each dedicated to specific aspects of conservation and restoration. These sections include:
Focused on the physical repair and preservation of documents and artifacts.
Responsible for creating digital copies of the archival materials to ensure their longevity and accessibility.
Manages the detailed listing and indexing of all items in the collection.
Provides support and resources for scholars and researchers utilizing the archives.
Researchers interested in accessing the Archives and Libraries Division's resources can do so through several channels:
Researchers are welcome to visit the Lahore Fort Archive and Library at Kharak Singh Haveli. Access is granted upon appointment to ensure personalized assistance and optimal use of our resources.
Our comprehensive online catalogue allows researchers to search and view available materials from anywhere in the world. This includes archival files, glass slides, maps, photographs, and books.
For those unable to visit in person, we offer remote consultation services. Our staff can assist with specific queries, provide digital copies of requested materials, and guide researchers through our digital archive.
Researchers have access to a vast collection of visual materials, including photographs, glass slides, and negatives. These can be used for:
Visual materials can be referenced in scholarly articles, theses, and dissertations.
Curators and museums can collaborate with us to feature visual materials in exhibitions.
Visual materials can enhance the content of books, journals, and other publications, providing historical context and visual appeal.
The Archives and Libraries Division offers expert restoration and preservation services to ensure the longevity of historical documents and artifacts. Our services include:
Repairing damaged documents and artifacts to stabilize and restore them to their original condition.
Implementing measures to protect materials from future damage, such as proper storage solutions and environmental controls.
We provide consultancy services for organizations looking to establish new archives.
Our expertise covers:
Advising on the physical setup and necessary infrastructure for an effective archival facility.
Developing and implementing efficient cataloging systems to organize and manage archival materials.
Providing training programs for archivists and librarians to ensure they are equipped with the skills needed to manage and preserve archival collections.
The Archives and Libraries Division provides publishers with access to a rich repository of materials that can be used to enhance publications. These include:
Primary source materials that provide authentic historical context.
High-resolution images from our collection that can be used to illustrate books, articles, and journals.
Access to rare and out-of-print books and journals that can be reprinted or referenced in new publications.
By offering these services, the Archives and Libraries Division ensures that its resources are not only preserved but also actively utilized for educational, cultural, and scholarly purposes.
WCLA archieve preserves our team's history, achievements, stats, and records.
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