ICOMOS Launches its Historical Archives Database on PUBLICOMOS
To mark its 60th anniversary, ICOMOS is pleased to announce the release of its historical administrative archives on its documentation platform PUBLICOMOS.
Until now, ICOMOS historical archives could only be consulted by contacting the Documentation Centre or visiting the Headquarters in Charenton-le-Pont, France. As an NGO committed to cultural heritage conservation, ICOMOS undertook the responsibility of safeguarding its own heritage by implementing a more comprehensive archival management policy over the past two years, taking advantage of the technical possibilities of the digital era.
The process began with the development of a filing plan to determine which electronic and printed documents should be preserved for the long term (over 10 years) to document ICOMOS’ history. Access levels were then defined to identify which documents could be made public, balancing transparency with the protection of individuals and their data, as well as the safeguarding of ICOMOS’ missions and partnerships. In 2024, a comprehensive inventory of paper records was completed. In 2025, the ICOMOS Documentation Centre began thoroughly describing documents for public access and digitising those previously available only in print.
As a result of this process, ICOMOS is now releasing a selection of its archives on PUBLICOMOS to mark the 60th anniversary of the organisation. ICOMOS members and the general public can now search and access international administrative documents produced by ICOMOS since 1965, offering a unique insight into the organisation’s history and operations. The database can be accessed via a new section on the PUBLICOMOS homepage, with forms both for simple search (to query all fields at once) and advanced search (to search field by field). In addition, two shortcuts allow quick access to annual reports and General Assembly documents.
Over 1,000 documents are now available in a new database for everyone to consult, including:
- 720 documents published for ICOMOS General Assemblies, including programmes, activity reports, resolutions, minutes (to date, all GAs of the 20th century have been worked through)
- 165 newsletters
- 120 statutes of ICOMOS and its Committees
- 20 budgets of ICOMOS
- all ICOMOS annual reports since 2014.
More documents will be added over time as the cataloguing and digitisation continue.