Two archives from the Norwegian National Archives' collections have been added to Norway's documentary heritage list this year. The two document two very different sides of Norway's history. Our recent past, with the Norwegian Association of 1948's work on the Partnership Act, and the care of the poor and sick at Oslo Hospital in the period 1630 to 1826.
"Our cultural heritage also encompasses recent history, and I am very pleased that the Norwegian Association of 1948's work on the Partnership Act is now part of Norway's documentary heritage," says National Archivist Inga Bolstad.
At first glance, there appears to be no common denominator between the Norwegian Association of 1948's systematic and targeted efforts to get the partnership law passed and the archives of the Oslo Diocese and Oslo Hospital. However, Oslo Hospital treated people with mental disorders from the late 18th century, and homosexuality was only removed as a psychiatric diagnosis in Norway in 1977. That was just 16 years before the partnership law became a reality.
Current advocacy work
Part of the cultural heritage of a living democracy involves understanding how voluntary organizations and interest groups have cooperated with and influenced society's decision-making authorities. Throughout the post-war period, there was an ongoing debate of increasing intensity about whether and how society should accept homosexuality and recognize gay and lesbian relationships. The 1993 decision on the Civil Partnership Act was one of the most important milestones in achieving civil rights that most people take for granted.
The poor of the past
Archival material about Oslo Hospital in the National Library and the National Archives is included as a supplement to the hospital's own archives, which are located in the Oslo City Archives. Oslo Hospital was located in Gamlebyen in Oslo. The hospital was established after the Reformation in 1537 to continue the poor relief that the monasteries had previously provided, and ran a hospital and shelter. Here, poor «limbs» were given a place to stay. Later, a «doll house» was also opened for the detention of «insane» persons. In addition to documents and accounts, the archives contain older Latin fragments that were once used to bind the account books of Oslo Hospital.
1000-year time span
Norway's documentary heritage is the Norwegian part of UNESCO's Memory of the World program. Here we present some of the most unique and irreplaceable sources from Norwegian history that are stored in the National Archives and the state archives. The documents span a period of around 1000 years from the Middle Ages to the present day and constitute our contribution to the national cultural heritage register.
Digital access
By using the topic tag «Norway's documentary heritage» by searching the digital archive, you will find hits in the archives that are entered in the register of Norway's documentary heritage, if they have been digitized.
