Qatar National Library has launched the Digital Family Papers Project, an initiative aimed at preserving and providing open access to personal documents held by Qatari families. The project aligns with the Library’s mission to safeguard and share the nation’s heritage, offering valuable insights into Qatar’s social, economic, and political history.
As part of the initiative, the Library supports the digitization and long-term preservation of the collection and, when necessary, conservation support for fragile or damaged materials.
Some of the family-contributed collections span from the 18th to the early 20th century, serving as primary historical sources for researchers and scholars. Digitized materials include photographs, letters, travel documents, passports, land and property certificates, and commercial and government records, among other family records, each capturing a unique aspect of Qatar’s heritage.
By digitizing and publishing these records on a dedicated online platform, the Library is making them freely accessible worldwide with no membership required. This open-access approach not only broadens global understanding of Qatar and the Gulf region’s historical narrative but also offers unique insights into several aspects of life that are often missing from official records.
Tan Huism, Executive Director of Qatar National Library, emphasized the Library’s commitment to preservation and accessibility. “The Digital Family Papers Project reflects our dedication to cultural preservation, open access, and community partnership. By digitizing these rare family collections, we are safeguarding Qatar’s historical record and making it freely available to a global audience. We would like to thank the families who have partnered with us in this project for their trust and for their generosity in sharing their stories with the world.”
The initiative recognizes the vital role that Qatari families have played in preserving their own histories as well as personal memories and perspectives often absent from official records.
Maryam Al Muttawa, Head of Collection Access, Distinctive Collections at Qatar National Library, who is project managing the initiative, said the project is about honoring Qatar’s past and informing future generations.
“These collections are cultural treasures. They tell stories of everyday life, education, trade, and politics, among other narratives that are often missing from institutional archives. By preserving and sharing them, we shed light on the region’s identity and rich history.”
Qatar National Library invites people in Qatar, the region, and around the world to explore the Digital Family Papers Project on its website and discover these rare collections that highlight the nation’s heritage.
