How many records does the archive hold?

77,260 records about Christchurch, every one linked at the provider that keeps the original.

How far back does the archive reach?

1800, the oldest record on file.

Where do the records come from?

30 collections: council archives, Papers Past, DigitalNZ’s partners, cemetery registers, the heritage list itself. The shelf says what exists and where it lives.

Are these documents verified?

They are leads and citations, not evidence, a record says a document exists and where to read it. What a document actually says is only claimed once somebody has read it; those readings live on the place pages.

“Smith and Smith”, the shelf

Every record the archive holds about Christchurch, the oldest first. The originals live at the provider each row links to.

7,610 records matching 100 of these 100 with their text read Papers Past · Canterbury Stories · Kura Heritage Collections Online · Te Papa Collections Online · National Publicity Studios black and white file prints · TAPUHI · Canterbury Museum · Auckland Museum Collections · New Zealand Gazette · Digital Public Library of America · V.C. Browne & Son NZ Aerial Photograph Collection · Christchurch City Libraries Flickr · Hocken Digital Collections · Museums Victoria · Air Force Museum of New Zealand Photograph Collection · Wellington City Council Archives · The New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero · New Zealand Electronic Text Collection · Christchurch City Libraries Heritage Images Collection · Lincoln University Living Heritage: Tikaka Tuku Iho · Flickr · Radio New Zealand · Alexander Turnbull Library Flickr · Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki · Te Hikoi Museum · iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao · Manawatū Heritage · Canterbury Photography Museum · Akaroa Museum · Hawke's Bay Museum

the 1890s
1 Apr 1890
Peninsula News. (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 01 April 1890) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
3 Apr 1890
Christchurch Volunteer Fire Brigade. (Star, 03 April 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Apr 1890
TABLE TALK. (Auckland Star, 05 April 1890) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
10 Apr 1890
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 10 April 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Apr 1890
CRICKET. (Otago Witness, 17 April 1890) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Apr 1890
FREEMASONRY. (Star, 28 April 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 May 1890
JUNIOR CUP. (Star, 05 May 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 May 1890
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 06 May 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 May 1890
LOCAL AND GENERAL (Ashburton Guardian, 20 May 1890) Ashburton Guardian · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 May 1890
TALK OF THE DAY. (Otago Witness, 29 May 1890) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Jun 1890
Page 2 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 02 June 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Jun 1890
TALK OF THE DAY. (Otago Witness, 05 June 1890) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
7 Jun 1890
SABBATH OBSERVANCE. (Auckland Star, 07 June 1890) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Jun 1890
Sydney Championship Meeting. (Observer, 07 June 1890) Observer · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Jun 1890
Page 2 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 13 June 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Jun 1890
Tuapeka Times. AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER AND ADVERTISER. SATURDAY, JUNE 14,1890. "MEASURES, NOT MEN." (Tuapeka Times, 14 June 1890) Tuapeka Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Jun 1890
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 23 June 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 Jul 1890
TALK OF THE DAY. (Otago Witness, 31 July 1890) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Aug 1890
PERSONALITIES. (Observer, 02 August 1890) Observer · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Aug 1890
SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL. (Star, 19 August 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Aug 1890
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 19 August 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Aug 1890
St John. Ambulance Association. (Star, 19 August 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Aug 1890
Page 1 Advertisements Column 6 (Timaru Herald, 26 August 1890) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Aug 1890
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 27 August 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Aug 1890
FOOTBALL. (Star, 28 August 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Sept 1890
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Ashburton Guardian, 01 September 1890) Ashburton Guardian · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Sept 1890
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 02 September 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Sept 1890
Christchurch. (Star, 04 September 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Sept 1890
Marlborough Express. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1890. LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS (Marlborough Express, 04 September 1890) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Sept 1890
Page 2 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 18 September 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Sept 1890
Local & General, (Star, 20 September 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
25 Sept 1890
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 25 September 1890) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Sept 1890
THE WAIRARAPA SEAT. (Evening Post, 27 September 1890) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
27 Sept 1890
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 27 September 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Oct 1890
TELEGRAMS (Southland Times, 07 October 1890) Southland Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Nov 1890
THE ELECTIONS. (Ashburton Guardian, 10 November 1890) Ashburton Guardian · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Nov 1890
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 11 November 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Nov 1890
ELECTION NOTES. (Otago Daily Times, 13 November 1890) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Nov 1890
BANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES. (Taranaki Herald, 17 November 1890) Taranaki Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Nov 1890
Local & General. (Star, 25 November 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
26 Nov 1890
Looal & General. (Star, 26 November 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Dec 1890
Retirement of Mr G. W. Russell. (Star, 01 December 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Dec 1890
FERGUSON'S PATENT PIPE. (Otago Daily Times, 03 December 1890) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 2 places
3 Dec 1890
Page 2 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 03 December 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Dec 1890
Christchurch. (Star, 05 December 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Dec 1890
THE ELECTIONS. (Bush Advocate, 06 December 1890) Bush Advocate · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Dec 1890
THE ELECTIONS. (Wanganui Chronicle, 06 December 1890) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Dec 1890
THE NEW HOUSE. (Hawke's Bay Herald, 08 December 1890) Hawke's Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Dec 1890
The New Parliament. (Auckland Star, 08 December 1890) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Dec 1890
The New House. (Bush Advocate, 09 December 1890) Bush Advocate · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Dec 1890
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 09 December 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Dec 1890
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Feilding Star, 09 December 1890) Feilding Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Dec 1890
Election After-thoughts (Observer, 13 December 1890) Observer · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
19 Dec 1890
West Christchurch. (Star, 19 December 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Dec 1890
Latest Locals. (Star, 24 December 1890) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
5 Jan 1891
Local & General. (Star, 05 January 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Jan 1891
Local & General. (Star, 09 January 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Jan 1891
Local & GeneraL (Star, 12 January 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Jan 1891
THE INFANTICIDE CASE. (Star, 16 January 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Jan 1891
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. (Otago Daily Times, 21 January 1891) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jan 1891
SUMMARY FOR HOME READERS. (Auckland Star, 24 January 1891) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Jan 1891
Page 3 Advertisements Column 6 (Evening Post, 28 January 1891) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Feb 1891
Untitled (Auckland Star, 03 February 1891) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Feb 1891
BOARD OF EDUCATION. (Star, 05 February 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
16 Feb 1891
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 16 February 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Feb 1891
LOCAL AND GENERAL (Wanganui Chronicle, 20 February 1891) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Feb 1891
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 23 February 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Feb 1891
Oddfellowship. (Star, 25 February 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Mar 1891
Sydenham Borough Council (Star, 03 March 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Mar 1891
The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1891. LOCAL AND GENERAL (Ashburton Guardian, 06 March 1891) Ashburton Guardian · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
11 Mar 1891
Wesleyan Conference. (Daily Telegraph, 11 March 1891) Daily Telegraph · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Mar 1891
CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY. (Star, 11 March 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Mar 1891
Local & General. (Star, 13 March 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Mar 1891
WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. (West Coast Times, 16 March 1891) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Mar 1891
WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. (Otago Witness, 19 March 1891) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Mar 1891
Latest Locals. (Star, 21 March 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Mar 1891
Local & General. (Star, 23 March 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Mar 1891
THE EASTER ENCAMPMENT. (North Otago Times, 28 March 1891) North Otago Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Mar 1891
Latest Locals. (Star, 28 March 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Apr 1891
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 07 April 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Apr 1891
Latest Locals. (Star, 08 April 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Apr 1891
FOOTBALL. (Star, 09 April 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Apr 1891
St Albans Borough Council (Star, 14 April 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Apr 1891
FOOTBALL. (Star, 16 April 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Apr 1891
THE LATE J. B. GRESSON. (Star, 17 April 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Apr 1891
CITY COUNCIL. (Star, 21 April 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Apr 1891
JUNIOR FLAG. (Star, 21 April 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Apr 1891
Latest Locals. (Star, 22 April 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Apr 1891
Latest Locals. (Star, 24 April 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
1 May 1891
Local & General. (Star, 01 May 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 May 1891
Local & General. (Star, 05 May 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 May 1891
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 06 May 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 May 1891
FOOTBALL. (Star, 14 May 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
14 May 1891
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 14 May 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 May 1891
Sheffield" Handicap (Observer, 16 May 1891) Observer · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 May 1891
FOOTBALL FIXTURES. (Otago Daily Times, 22 May 1891) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 May 1891
A Latest Locals. (Star, 23 May 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 May 1891
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 30 May 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Jun 1891
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 01 June 1891) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Jun 1891
Page 1 Advertisements Column 7 (Timaru Herald, 04 June 1891) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read

Most of these originals are not republishable here, the link goes to the provider that keeps them. A search result is a lead, not evidence: what a document actually says is only claimed once somebody has read it, and those readings live on the place pages.

“Smith and Smith”, the shelf

The shelf

Its patch