How many records does the archive hold?

81,477 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.

8,643 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
14 Jan 1898
Diocese of Chirstchurch. (New Zealand Tablet, 14 January 1898) New Zealand Tablet · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Jan 1898
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Star, 15 January 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Jan 1898
Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 (Auckland Star, 15 January 1898) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jan 1898
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Star, 24 January 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Jan 1898
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 27 January 1898) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
28 Jan 1898
Page 3 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 28 January 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Jan 1898
CHRISTCHURCH REGATTA. (Star, 28 January 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Jan 1898
Page 8 Advertisements Column 8 (Evening Post, 29 January 1898) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Feb 1898
CUT COUNCIL. (Star, 01 February 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Feb 1898
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. (Star, 02 February 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Feb 1898
SWIMMING. (Star, 07 February 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Feb 1898
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Star, 11 February 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Feb 1898
CHRISTCHURCH REGATTA. (Star, 11 February 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Feb 1898
THE BUSK FIRES. (Star, 15 February 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Feb 1898
CHRISTCHURCH DRAINAGE BOARD. (Star, 16 February 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Feb 1898
CHRISTCHURCH REGATTA. (Star, 17 February 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Feb 1898
THE POLICE COMMISSION. SOME FURTHER REVELATIONS ABOUT REINSTATEMENTS. (Evening Post, 19 February 1898) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Feb 1898
SWIMMING. (Star, 21 February 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Feb 1898
Page 8 Advertisements Column 5 (Evening Post, 24 February 1898) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Feb 1898
LOCAL GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 24 February 1898) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Feb 1898
WESLEYAN CONFERENCE (West Coast Times, 26 February 1898) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Feb 1898
WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. (Star, 26 February 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Feb 1898
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Star, 28 February 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Mar 1898
WESLEYAN METHODIST CONFERENCE. (Otago Witness, 03 March 1898) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Mar 1898
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 07 March 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Mar 1898
Page 8 Advertisements Column 5 (Evening Post, 07 March 1898) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Mar 1898
SWIMMING. (Star, 19 March 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Mar 1898
N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION. (Auckland Star, 19 March 1898) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Mar 1898
N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION. (Colonist, 21 March 1898) Colonist · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Mar 1898
N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION. (Auckland Star, 21 March 1898) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Mar 1898
THE N.Z, RIFLE ASSOCIATION MEETING. (Wanganui Herald, 21 March 1898) Wanganui Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Mar 1898
Page 5 Advertisements Column 2 (Auckland Star, 23 March 1898) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Mar 1898
CITY COUNCIL. (Star, 29 March 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Mar 1898
LOCAL AND GEN REAL (Star, 30 March 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 Mar 1898
Biographical Notes of Settlers of the First Decade. THE OLD IDENTITY. (Otago Witness, 31 March 1898) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 Mar 1898
ST JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION. (Star, 31 March 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Apr 1898
THE VOLUNTEERS. (Star, 01 April 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Apr 1898
INTERPROVINCIAL. (Poverty Bay Herald, 05 April 1898) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
7 Apr 1898
Page 8 Advertisements Column 4 (Evening Post, 07 April 1898) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
12 Apr 1898
Page 1 Advertisements Column 5 (Evening Post, 12 April 1898) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
12 Apr 1898
Page 8 Advertisements Column 4 (Evening Post, 12 April 1898) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 5 places
13 Apr 1898
Page 8 Advertisements Column 4 (Evening Post, 13 April 1898) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 5 places
19 Apr 1898
FOOTBALL. (Star, 19 April 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Apr 1898
SCHOOL COMMITTEES. (Star, 19 April 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Apr 1898
BOARD OF EDUCATION. (Star, 20 April 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Apr 1898
MAGISTERIAL. (Star, 21 April 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Apr 1898
CURRENT TOPICS. (Otago Daily Times, 23 April 1898) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Apr 1898
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 25 April 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Apr 1898
EAST CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 26 April 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Apr 1898
Local and General. (Clutha Leader, 29 April 1898) Clutha Leader · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Apr 1898
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Evening Post, 30 April 1898) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 May 1898
TABLE TALK. (Otago Witness, 05 May 1898) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 May 1898
MAGISTERIAL (Star, 10 May 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 May 1898
ROAD BOARD. (Star, 13 May 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 May 1898
Page 5 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 14 May 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
16 May 1898
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Inangahua Times, 16 May 1898) Inangahua Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 May 1898
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Otago Daily Times, 17 May 1898) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 May 1898
FOOTBALL. (Star, 20 May 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 May 1898
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Star, 20 May 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 May 1898
JUNIOR FLAG. (Star, 30 May 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Jun 1898
Untitled (Star, 01 June 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Jun 1898
Local and General. (Ashburton Guardian, 04 June 1898) Ashburton Guardian · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Jun 1898
SCHOOL COMMITTEES. (Star, 06 June 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Jun 1898
The Timaru Herald. SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1898. TOWN & COUNTRY. (Timaru Herald, 11 June 1898) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Jun 1898
SCHOOL COMMITTEES. (Star, 14 June 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Jun 1898
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Star, 20 June 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Jun 1898
CYCLING. (Otago Witness, 23 June 1898) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jun 1898
CHRISTCHURCH. (Clutha Leader, 24 June 1898) Clutha Leader · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Jun 1898
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Star, 27 June 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Jun 1898
THE VOYAGE OF THE FRAM. (Wanganui Herald, 28 June 1898) Wanganui Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Jun 1898
Page 3 Advertisements Column 3 (Otago Daily Times, 29 June 1898) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
29 Jun 1898
FOOTBALL. (Star, 29 June 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Jul 1898
A FLUSHING SCHEME. (Star, 08 July 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Jul 1898
Page 2 Advertisements Column 2 (Ellesmere Guardian, 27 July 1898) Ellesmere Guardian · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Aug 1898
JUNIOR FLAG. (Star, 01 August 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Aug 1898
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Star, 02 August 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Aug 1898
SHIPPING. (Otago Daily Times, 04 August 1898) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Aug 1898
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 08 August 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Aug 1898
FLAX-DRESSING MACHINES AND PROCESSES. (Evening Post, 08 August 1898) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Aug 1898
ENTERTAINMENTS. (Star, 10 August 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Aug 1898
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 15 August 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Aug 1898
Page 1 Advertisements Column 5 (Evening Post, 19 August 1898) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Aug 1898
Page 3 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 23 August 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 Aug 1898
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Evening Post, 31 August 1898) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Sept 1898
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 08 September 1898) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Sept 1898
Page 8 Advertisements Column 7 (Evening Post, 12 September 1898) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Sept 1898
Page 1 Advertisements Column 5 (Auckland Star, 12 September 1898) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Sept 1898
Page 5 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 17 September 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Sept 1898
The Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1898. THE WAR CLOUD. (Wanganui Herald, 19 September 1898) Wanganui Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Sept 1898
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Star, 20 September 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Sept 1898
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 23 September 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Sept 1898
Oamaru-Christchurch Chess Match. (Otago Witness, 29 September 1898) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Oct 1898
MAGISTERIAL. (Star, 03 October 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Oct 1898
BOROUGH COUNCILS. (Star, 04 October 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Oct 1898
SCHOOL COMMITTEES. (Star, 10 October 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Oct 1898
ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET. (Otago Daily Times, 13 October 1898) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Oct 1898
Page 1 Advertisements Column 1 (Timaru Herald, 22 October 1898) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Oct 1898
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 26 October 1898) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Oct 1898
COMMERCIAL (Otago Witness, 27 October 1898) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Oct 1898
Page 5 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 29 October 1898) Star · 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