Subject Search Guides
About Public Record Office Victoria
Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) is the archive of State and Local Governments in Victoria. We hold over 100 km of digital and physical records from 1836 to the present day. Many records are accessible to the public either online or for viewing in our Reading Rooms. PROV also sets mandatory recordkeeping standards for state and local government agencies and provides advice on recordkeeping to government.
![people discussing films](/sites/default/files/2024-08/Three%20people%20discussing%20films%2C%20in%20a%20room%20full%20of%20projection%20equipment%2C%20c%201970s.jpg)
The 2024 Victorian Community History Awards
We are pleased to announce that the 2024 Victorian Community History Awards are now open for entries. The Victorian Community History Awards are presented by Public Record Office Victoria in partnership with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. There are 10 categories including best History Publication, Article, Oral History, and Digital Storytelling. All entrants will then go into the running to receive the prestigious Victorian Premier’s History Award ($5,000 prize).
![Drawing of The Melbourne Trident by Stanislav Szukalski](/sites/default/files/2022-11/trident%20drawing.jpg)
Look history in the eye
In this award-winning podcast series by Public Record Office Victoria we interview the people who delve into public archives and uncover interesting truths about Melbourne and Victoria's past. Hear about the amazing monuments that were never built, Victoria's queer history, Pentridge Prison escapes, how Melbourne went from deadtown to musictown and more!
![prison register](/sites/default/files/2023-02/vprs_516.jpg)
Delve into the archives
Stay up to date with the latest records and interesting stories uncovered from the collection. This blog will offer you a snapshot into the world of historical research featuring the extraordinary tales of Victorian people captured within Victorian Government archives.
![istock image of a blue folder under a microscope](/sites/default/files/2023-02/New%20gov%20RK%20Twitter%20option%204.jpg)
Records management
Personal information is at risk when agencies do not have an effective disposal program in place and continue to hold public records for longer than the required minimum legal retention period. See our advice for managing personal information in records.
Visit us
Monday to Friday 10am to 4:30pm and every second and last Saturday of the month. Closed public holidays. Visit
Monday to Thursday 10am to 4:30pm. Closed public holidays. Visit
Wednesday and Thursday 10am to 4pm. Closed public holidays. Visit
Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Closed weekends, Mondays and public holidays. Visit
What's On
![Victorian archives centre building on a sunny day](/sites/default/files/styles/card_small/public/2023-06/photo_-_vac_open_house_2022.jpg?itok=lQlB-Oqb)
The past is your future: careers in history
Explore the array of career possibilities with a history degree at this History Council of Victoria special event for undergraduate students.
![Bendigo School of Mines](/sites/default/files/styles/card_small/public/2022-11/Bendigo%20School%20of%20Mines.jpg?itok=7XIWguwj)
Bendigo Regional Archives Centre events
![Black and white illustration of Melbourne](/sites/default/files/styles/card_small/public/files/teaser_imgs/mayaj-f05.jpeg?itok=qT1jh3sq)
City views
![Travelling to Tomorrow](/sites/default/files/styles/card_small/public/2024-07/travelling_to_tomorrow.jpg?itok=qRzX7MMY)