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World Bank Group Archives

The Archives preserves the institutional memory of the World Bank Group and provides public access to records of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).

About Us

World Bank Group Historical Timeline

The timeline offers an engaging way to learn about the important moments in the history of the World Bank while discovering the gems of the World Bank Group Archives.

Flagship Discovery Tools

The World Bank

Archives Catalog

The Archives Catalog contains archival descriptions and provides access to digitized records.

The World Bank

Photo Catalog

The Photo Catalog provides access to thousands of photos relating to World Bank operations, presidents, official signings, and more.

The World Bank

Oral History Program

The Oral History Program website contains transcripts, summaries, and audio clips of interviews with former World Bank staff.

country historical profiles

Country Historical Profiles

Track World Bank membership over time and access historical profiles for every member country.

Archives Spotlight

The World Bank
Exhibit

Bretton Woods and the Birth of the Bank

On July 1, 1944, delegates from forty-four nations met in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire to agree on a new system of international cooperation. Learn more about this historic meeting and view folder lists of related archival records.

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WBG Web Archives

The Web Archives provides access to World Bank websites that have been discontinued or significantly updated. Archived sites date from 1998 to the present. 

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Video

Uncover the Treasures of the Archives

This short promotional video describes the possibilities available to researchers when they “jump in and explore” the holdings of the World Bank Group Archives.

The World Bank
Website

Documents and Reports

Access Bank Group-authored reports, including Board Documents, Economic and Sector Work reports, project documents, and publications and research.

The World Bank
Website

Country Director Database

Contains country director data from 1972 to 2020.

The World Bank
Website

Projects & Operations

Provides contextual information for each World Bank project, past and present, as well as a folder list of archival records that relate to each project.

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Records Management Roadmap

The Roadmap is a multi-part toolkit, designed to help governments and public-sector organizations implement improvements in records management. 

The World Bank
External Partnership

Columbia University's History Lab Project

See the results when machine learning strategies are applied to Robert S. McNamara’s World Bank records.

The World Bank
Publication

Guide to the World Bank Group Archives

This accessible introduction to conducting research in the Archives consolidates all the information you need to begin your research.

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Access to Information

Access to WBG records is governed by the Access to Information Policy.

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Submit a Request

After researching what materials you need in our catalog, submit a request for access.

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Inside the Archives

The Archives' innovative Digital Preservation Program paves the way for the future. 

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Engage

Keep up with the latest news and releases from the WBG Archives.

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