Welcome to the joint website of the Archives of Political History and the Trade Unions and the Library of the Institute of Political History

 

The Archives of Political History and the Trade Unions is a private archive open to the public. Originally, it collected documentary material on the history of the workers’ movement and the political left, while today its scope extends to the entirety of Hungarian history during the modern era. Our archivists trace, collect, and preserve private documents—all indispensable sources of contemporary history. The collection consists of particularly rich material on the regime change in Hungary in 1989-1990. We are open to any and all organizations, associations, and private individuals who wish to deposit their documents in the Archives of Political History and the Trade Unions.
Most of our material is catalogued: the register of fonds and inventories reflect the state of the collection as it was on January 1, 2018.

The Institute of Political History also houses a public library. Its collection is devoted to topics in political and social theory, political history, political science, and modern history. While the majority of the collection is in Hungarian, there are numerous texts in other European languages as well: English, French, German, and Russian, to name a few. The library also features a special collection of publications and electoral material from Hungarian political parties and organizations during the twentieth century, which is accessible to researchers.

More information about the archives and the library is available here.

 

Information for readers and researchers

To visit the archives and the library you must pre-register by sending an e-mail: .  You can make an appointment at the research room for the following time slots: Monday, 9 am to 12.30 pm; Monday, 12.30 pm to 4 pm; Tuesday, 9 am to 12.30 pm; Tuesday, 12.30 pm to 4 pm; Wednesday, 9 am to 12.30 pm;  Wednesday, 12.30 pm to 4 pm. Please always wait for confirmation of your registration from our colleague. Please note that our research room has a limited capacity.

Opening hours:

Monday-Wednesday: 9.00–16.00

Closed on Thursday, and Friday

Address: 1114 Budapest, 11-13 Villányi str., ground floor

E-mail:  or 

 

Archival research

Please note that archival research is free of charge.

To register, a valid document proving identity (identity card with address card, student card, passport, or driving license) is required.

The archives ensures the protection of personal data following the relevant legislation.

To start research, a supporting declaration is required, the form of it can be downloaded here:

A PIL támogatói nyilatkozata (rtf)

A PIL támogatói nyilatkozata (pdf)

A supporting statement may only be given by the head of a body carrying out scientific research for its intended purpose (heads of institutes of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, rectors and deans of state universities, directors-general of state colleges, heads of public foundations established for scientific purposes by law or government decision, heads of private foundations established for scientific purposes, heads of county, metropolitan and city archives, museums, etc.) or by the head of a body with a public function. For researchers from abroad, a letter of support must be requested from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

The letter of support is valid only if signed and stamped by the body funding the research.

The archives may also request the submission of a topic draft as an annex to the supporting statement.

A levéltár kutatási szabályzata (pdf)

Making a copy: the archives will make photocopies or digital copies of the records at the request of the researcher.

Copy charges:

xerox	1-200 sheets	175 HUF/sheet
xerox	201-400 sheets	200 HUF/sheet
xerox	over 400 sheets	225 HUF/sheet
digital copy (300 dpi, .jpeg)	A4 size	700 HUF/page
digital copy (300 dpi, .jpeg)	A4+ size	1200 HUF/page

A 30% surcharge will be applied for scanning in other resolutions or formats.

The publication fee for digital copies is by agreement, but the minimum is HUF 4000.

The deadline for making copies is 30 days from the copy request.

When ordering copies, a deposit of 50% of the total expected copying fee must be paid in advance. Without this deposit, it is not possible to order copies.

Copies previously ordered and completed but not accepted must be accepted before the research can continue at the price in force at the time of acceptance.

 

Library research

The library welcomes researchers and visitors for reading only on-site.

The library allows the reader to submit a request by e-mail to by the end of the working day before the visit, giving precise library details.

For libraries inter-library loans are available.

To register, a valid document proving identity (identity card with address card, student card, passport, or driving license) is required.

The library protects personal data following the relevant legislation.

The registration fee is waived for those who can provide proof of one of the following:

• employees of a public collection (libraries, museums, archives);
• library and information science teachers or students enrolled in library and information science courses at higher education institutions;
• persons with a disability pension of 67% or more, or with visual or hearing impairments or reduced mobility;
• the registered unemployed and those in receipt of income support;
• over 70 years old;
• under 16 years old.

Those entitled to reduced library prices:

• pensioners under 70 years of age;
• holders of a valid student card and teacher’s card.

Registration fee	for 1 yearfor 1 month
full price	3000 HUF	1000 HUF
reduced price	1500 HUF	1000 HUF

Könyvtárhasználati szabályzat (pdf)

Making a copy: the library will make photocopies or digital copies of its holdings at the request of the reader.

Copy charges:

xerox		175 HUF/sheet
digital copy (300 dpi, .jpeg)	A4 size	700 HUF/page
digital copy (300 dpi, .jpeg)	A4+ size	1200 HUF/page
photo ticket		2500 HUF/day

A 30% surcharge will be applied for scanning in other resolutions or formats.

The deadline for making copies is 30 days from the copy request.

When ordering copies, a deposit of 50% of the total expected copying fee must be paid in advance. Without this deposit, it is not possible to order copies.