The newspaper tradition of Greece is deeply rooted and dates back to the 18th century, when the first Greek language newspaper, “Efimeris,” was published in 1790.[1] Over the years, the number of newspapers grew significantly, reflecting the nation’s tumultuous journey through wars, revolutions, regime changes, and socio-cultural shifts. As a result, the newspaper archives in Greece offer an extensive collection of materials that document the nation’s highs and lows, moments of triumph and struggle, and the evolving identity of its people.
Greek newspapers, for the most part, do not include birth, marriage, or death announcements. Local newspapers can, however, give you insight into the following and if you are lucky, family names may be included:
- Local news and events
- Social and cultural life
- Agriculture and rural life
- Weather and natural events
- Local traditions and customs
Greece has a number of institutions and organizations that maintain newspaper archives either in hardcopy or digital form. Please note that the availability of specific archives and their online accessibility is constantly changing. It’s a good idea to search for the latest information on the websites of relevant institutions or conduct online searches to find the most up-to-date resources for accessing Greek newspaper archives. It is strongly recommended not to ignore the newspapers that are available only in digital form, as they might contain priceless information and without the need to travel to an archive.
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List of Newspaper archives in Greece
- National Library of Greece: The National Library of Greece holds a significant collection of historical newspapers and periodicals. They have digitized a portion of their collection and made it available online through their Digital Collections portal. Founded in the 19th century, this repository houses an extensive collection of newspapers, periodicals, and other printed materials, covering a wide range of topics including politics, culture, literature, science, and more. This collection dates back to the early 19th century, encompassing pivotal periods of Greek history such as the War of Independence, the Balkan wars, and both World Wars.
- National Historical Museum: The National Historical Museum in Athens, also has an extensive collection of newspapers, mainly focusing on historical events and periods related to Greek history.
- University Libraries: Various university libraries in Greece hold newspaper archives related to specific regions or themes. For example, the University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and others.
- Municipal and Regional Libraries: Some local libraries may have collections of local newspapers that provide insights into the history and events of specific areas of Greece.
Φ.Ε.Κ. - The Official Newspaper of the Government of Greece
Φ.Ε.Κ., commonly known as the Government Gazette is the official newspaper of the Greek Government, and as such, is recognized as the only governmental form through which all laws, decrees, appointments and judgments are published. The first issue was printed on February 16, 1833 and was called the Newspaper of the Government of the Kingdom of Greece (at that time, Greece was ruled by King Otto) and until June 1835, it was published with its left column in Greek and its right column in German; some issues after 1835 were published in Greek and French. The Government Gazette has been published weekly from 1833 to present. The website of the National Printing Office of Greece has digitized and uploaded Φ.Ε.Κ. issues. Until 2010, issues were available for purchase from the National Printing Office, while some were free; since June 2010, all issues are available free of charge in electronic form from the website of the National Printing Office.[2]
Online Archive of California
While not physically in Greece, the Online Archive of California comprises dozens of titles of publication, in Greek, German, English, French, and Italian, with content published between 1912 and 2001.[3]
Newspaper archives in Greece serve as vital repositories of the nation’s history, culture, and identity. They offer a unique lens through which to view the transformation of Greece over the centuries, from a land under Ottoman rule to a modern, independent state. These archives provide scholars, researchers, and the general public with access to a wealth of information that illuminates the past and informs the present. Through digitization and preservation efforts, Greece’s newspaper archives are not only safeguarding its heritage but also contributing to a more informed and connected society. As the digital age continues to reshape how we interact with information, the importance of these archives in preserving and disseminating historical knowledge remains unwavering.
Explore more about Newspaper archives in Greece
- An Introduction to Tracing your Greek Ancestry at Legacy Family Tree Webinars
- Archive of the Government Gazette of Greece
- Beyond the Basics: Φ.Ε.Κ. The Official Newspaper of the Government of Greece at Carol Kostakos Petranek’s Spartan Roots website
- National Library of Greece
- National Historical Museum of Greece
- Old Greek Newspapers Collection at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- Historical Archive of the University of Athens
- Inventory of the Greece newspaper collection at Online Archive of California
References
- ↑ "Εφημερίς" (1790-1797) Ο άθλος και η περιπέτεια της πρώτης ελληνικής εφημερίδας".
- ↑ «Ν.3469/2006, άρθρο 3, παράγραφος 1». Greek Ministry of Justice
- ↑ Inventory of the Greece newspaper collection. Online Archive of California