As part of its continued effort to facilitate the use of Macao's rich archive of historical documents by students, researchers and the general public, the Historical Archives of Macao, a subsidiary of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, today launched a new and improved home on the internet. The updated website features a greater array of enhanced functions, granting visitors more in-depth access to the Archives’ collections and aiding in the location and retrieval of documents. These enhancements will facilitate a more frequent use of archival materials as a resource for academic studies and research on Macao.

Enhanced Search System
Documentary heritage is preserved for the purpose of future research. The website of the Historical Archives of Macao now offers distinct search options such as "Archives Catalogue", "Books Catalogue", "Official Gazette" and "Arquivos de Macau", allowing users to confine their searches to specific collections within the Archives. In the past, only basic information on public records was available online, and users would need to visit the Archives in person to access the content. From today, users of the new website in Macao and abroad are now able to access complete digital versions of numerous records and documents. This tool for more convenient and comprehensive research into the Archives even includes digital versions of all "Official Gazette" editions published from 1850 to 1999.

Richer Content
The new homepage includes an “Online Exhibition” tab, which displays material including historical photographs, manuscripts, exhibit venue design and informative plaques from several of the Archives’ recent exhibits, as well as the "Archival Gems" tab featuring highlighted and thematic collections. The page also contains the latest news on the Archives’ recent and upcoming activities, as well as multimedia presentations and historic materials documenting the Archives’ own evolution, illustrating the Archives’ role in the cultural development of Macao.

Private donation to the collections
In addition to collecting records and documents from public agencies, the Archives place great importance on compiling privately donated documents and materials of public interest related to the history and culture of Macao. The "Notes on Donation" tab offers guidelines for making individual and private contributions to the Archives and displays digital examples of donations previously received from members of the community. It is hoped that the website will encourage more individuals and community organisations to contribute to Macao's historical legacy and cultural continuity.

As the Archives’ window to the general public, the website provides detailed contact information and a message box for interaction with users. The Archives’ "Performance Pledge" is also available for public review. The Historical Archives of Macao is committed to the protection and preservation of Macao's documentary heritage and takes responsibility for the safeguarding of Macao's original records and the promotion and development of community study and research.