Recorded Sound

The Provincial Archives’ recorded sound collection consists of recordings created by government, private and public radio stations, and individuals. The Archive's primary goal in this area is to collect recorded sound documents that enrich and complement written, printed and visual materials. Recordings date from the 1940s and the collection is one of the largest in Canada.

Currently there are tens of thousands of recorded sound documents which have been collected and preserved by the Provincial Archives. While the genre of the material is quite eclectic, the largest segment is the oral history collection. Interviews have been recorded with farmers, soldiers, trappers, miners, activists, politicians, clerics, members of ethnic groups, and indigenous peoples, to name a few. Oral history recordings possess many qualities not found in textual form. Tape recorded documents capture emotions, accents, dialects and other language idiosyncrasies of the interviewees. These qualities may be useful not only to the historian but also to the linguist, ethnographer, folklorist or genealogist.

The Archives has also undertaken to preserve radio programming considered to be of historical value. Recordings in this collection include programming from radio stations across the province, which reflect various aspects of the life and development of Saskatchewan society.

Other recorded sound documents which are available to researchers include: the tape recorded Debates and Proceedings of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan; political addresses and campaign speeches; press conferences; public hearings and inquiries; and recordings of special events. The Archives also holds selections of music and songs which draw their inspiration from the land and people of Saskatchewan. These include Francophone folk songs, Doukhobor hymns, old-time fiddle music, Department of Education music lessons and many other rare and interesting recordings.

To access these records, begin your search in our online catalogue.  However, as not all of our Collection is described in the catalogue as of yet, you are also advised to contact Reference and Outreach Services.

Cliquez ici pour obtenir la version française de cette page.