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What's New
What's New
Photo Album about Mui Wo in the 1980s
20 November 2023
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A new digital photo album entitled "Mui Wo in the 1980s" is accessible here.
New price list of our reproduction and records certification services
17 October 2023
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A new price list of our reproduction of holdings and records certification services is effective from 17 October 2023. You may access the price list through this link.
For enquiries, please call 2195 7700.
GRS Annual Report 2022
4 October 2023
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The Annual Report 2022 of the Government Records Service has been issued. Please click here to view.
"Yesterday's Vacation in HK" exhibition invites audience to take a trip down to old Hong Kong
15 September 2023
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The Public Records Office (PRO) of the Government Records Service (GRS) today (September 15) launches the annual thematic exhibition "Yesterday's Vacation in HK", which takes the audience on a journey through Hong Kong's past.
Featuring a selection of tourism-related archival holdings from the 1950s to the 1980s, the exhibition unveils visitors’ diverse experience in the city and a variety of tourist attractions under four themes, namely "Sight and Scenes", "Shopping Paradise", "Paradise for Foodies", and "Happenings in the City". Do you still remember how the original Peak Tower—one of the distinctive landmarks in Hong Kong—looked like before its redevelopment? How did the Sung Dynasty Village and the Haw Par Mansion demonstrate Chinese traditional culture and characteristics? In addition to the sightseeing spots in urban area, the information for visitors at that time also recommended various attractions beyond the city's hustle and bustle, such as the New Territories and the outlying islands, to visitors craving for a relaxing holiday.
The exhibition also sheds light on different facets of lives in old Hong Kong. Shopping malls began to emerge in Hong Kong in the 1960s, which allowed visitors to shop at modern and glamourous shopping arcades apart from treasure hunting at street-level shops and traditional markets. Sampans at the typhoon shelters, floating restaurants, Dai Pai Dongs (on-street cooked food stalls), and Chinese restaurants are the common food memories of both locals and visitors towards Hong Kong. A wide range of events, including the Dragon Boat Festival Races and the Festival of Asian Arts, were windows for visitors to experience the city's unique blend of traditional and modern elements. "Yesterday's Vacation in HK" exhibition provides an entry point to the audience for rediscovering Hong Kong’s distinctiveness through the lens of visitors.
Members of the public are welcome to visit the Exhibition Hall where a selection of over 70 archival holdings is on view starting from today. A thematic backdrop near the entrance of the Exhibition Hall offers a photogenic spot for the audience to begin their exhibition journey. An "Exhibition Pass" booklet is also available on-site. The exhibition opens from Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5.45pm (except for public holidays), in the Exhibition Hall on the second floor of the Hong Kong Public Records Building, 13 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong. Admission is free.
Members of the public can find more precious archival images by browsing the online exhibition (www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/yvhk/en/home/index.html), and follow the Facebook Page of PRO (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice) for more interesting stories covered in the exhibition.
PRO will host roving exhibitions in different districts in the coming months, and the relevant information will be announced later on the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk). For enquiries, please call the PRO at 2195 7700 or email to proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
2023
Photo Album about Mui Wo in the 1980s
20 November 2023
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A new digital photo album entitled "Mui Wo in the 1980s" is accessible here.
New price list of our reproduction and records certification services
17 October 2023
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A new price list of our reproduction of holdings and records certification services is effective from 17 October 2023. You may access the price list through this link.
For enquiries, please call 2195 7700.
GRS Annual Report 2022
4 October 2023
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The Annual Report 2022 of the Government Records Service has been issued. Please click here to view.
"Yesterday's Vacation in HK" exhibition invites audience to take a trip down to old Hong Kong
15 September 2023
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The Public Records Office (PRO) of the Government Records Service (GRS) today (September 15) launches the annual thematic exhibition "Yesterday's Vacation in HK", which takes the audience on a journey through Hong Kong's past.
Featuring a selection of tourism-related archival holdings from the 1950s to the 1980s, the exhibition unveils visitors’ diverse experience in the city and a variety of tourist attractions under four themes, namely "Sight and Scenes", "Shopping Paradise", "Paradise for Foodies", and "Happenings in the City". Do you still remember how the original Peak Tower—one of the distinctive landmarks in Hong Kong—looked like before its redevelopment? How did the Sung Dynasty Village and the Haw Par Mansion demonstrate Chinese traditional culture and characteristics? In addition to the sightseeing spots in urban area, the information for visitors at that time also recommended various attractions beyond the city's hustle and bustle, such as the New Territories and the outlying islands, to visitors craving for a relaxing holiday.
The exhibition also sheds light on different facets of lives in old Hong Kong. Shopping malls began to emerge in Hong Kong in the 1960s, which allowed visitors to shop at modern and glamourous shopping arcades apart from treasure hunting at street-level shops and traditional markets. Sampans at the typhoon shelters, floating restaurants, Dai Pai Dongs (on-street cooked food stalls), and Chinese restaurants are the common food memories of both locals and visitors towards Hong Kong. A wide range of events, including the Dragon Boat Festival Races and the Festival of Asian Arts, were windows for visitors to experience the city's unique blend of traditional and modern elements. "Yesterday's Vacation in HK" exhibition provides an entry point to the audience for rediscovering Hong Kong’s distinctiveness through the lens of visitors.
Members of the public are welcome to visit the Exhibition Hall where a selection of over 70 archival holdings is on view starting from today. A thematic backdrop near the entrance of the Exhibition Hall offers a photogenic spot for the audience to begin their exhibition journey. An "Exhibition Pass" booklet is also available on-site. The exhibition opens from Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5.45pm (except for public holidays), in the Exhibition Hall on the second floor of the Hong Kong Public Records Building, 13 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong. Admission is free.
Members of the public can find more precious archival images by browsing the online exhibition (www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/yvhk/en/home/index.html), and follow the Facebook Page of PRO (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice) for more interesting stories covered in the exhibition.
PRO will host roving exhibitions in different districts in the coming months, and the relevant information will be announced later on the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk). For enquiries, please call the PRO at 2195 7700 or email to proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Closure of Exhibition Hall
11 August 2023
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To prepare for staging the upcoming thematic exhibition, the Exhibition Hall will be temporarily closed starting from 28 August 2023. Please visit the exhibition before it closes down.
“Archives 50 Years” roving exhibition (Tuen Mun Public Library)
19 June 2023
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The Public Records Office of the Government Records Service will hold a roving exhibition at the Tuen Mun Public Library from 19 to 30 June 2023 to showcase the selected themes relating to "Food", "Land and Housing", "Transport" and "Recreation" under an "Archives 50 Years" thematic exhibition (https://www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/50years/en/sec3/index.html). Admission is free.
International Archives Day 2023
8 June 2023
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In celebration of the International Archives Day (IAD), the Government Records Service (GRS) will participate in the exhibition organised by the Hong Kong Archives Society on 10 June 2023. More than 30 replicas of our archival holdings will be displayed in the exhibition. Details of the exhibition of IAD are as follows:
Date: 10 June 2023 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Venue: CLP Pulse, 147 Argyle Street, Kowloon.
The exhibition is free for admission. For further details about the exhibition, please visit the website of Hong Kong Archives Society at http://www.archives.org.hk/en/page.php?pagename=latest_news&submenu=LATEST&nid=145
“Archives 50 Years” roving exhibition (Sheung Shui Public Library)
2 June 2023
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The Public Records Office of the Government Records Service will hold a roving exhibition at the Sheung Shui Public Library from 2 to 15 June 2023 to showcase the selected themes relating to "Food", "Land and Housing", "Transport" and "Recreation" under an "Archives 50 Years" thematic exhibition (https://www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/50years/en/sec3/index.html). Admission is free.
“Archives 50 Years” roving exhibition (Lai Chi Kok Public Library)
18 May 2023
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The Public Records Office of the Government Records Service will hold a roving exhibition at the Lai Chi Kok Public Library from 18 to 31 May 2023 to showcase the selected themes relating to "Food", "Land and Housing", "Transport" and "Recreation" under an "Archives 50 Years" thematic exhibition (https://www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/50years/en/sec3/index.html). Admission is free.
Records destruction information of Bureaux/Departments - 2022
4 May 2023
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The records destruction information of bureaux/departments in 2022 is now accessible here.
“Archives 50 Years” roving exhibition (Lam Tin Public Library)
3 May 2023
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The Public Records Office of the Government Records Service will hold a roving exhibition at the Lam Tin Public Library from 3 to 16 May 2023 to showcase the selected themes relating to "Food", "Land and Housing", "Transport" and "Recreation" under an "Archives 50 Years" thematic exhibition (https://www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/50years/en/sec3/index.html). Admission is free.
Exhibition Hall Reopens
17 April 2023
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The Exhibition Hall has now reopened. Members of the public are welcome to visit the current thematic exhibition onsite.
“Archives 50 Years” roving exhibition (South Kwai Chung Public Library)
17 April 2023
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The Public Records Office of the Government Records Service will hold a roving exhibition at the South Kwai Chung Public Library from 17 to 30 April 2023 to showcase the selected themes relating to "Food", "Land and Housing", "Transport" and "Recreation" under an "Archives 50 Years" thematic exhibition (https://www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/50years/en/sec3/index.html). Admission is free.
Temporary Closure of Exhibition Hall
14 April 2023
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Starting from 17 April 2023, the Exhibition Hall will be temporarily closed until further notice due to urgent maintenance works. Members of the public are encouraged to view the online exhibition (https://www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/50years/en/sec3/index.html) while the Exhibition Hall closes down.
“Archives 50 Years” roving exhibition (Aberdeen Public Library)
3 April 2023
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The Public Records Office of the Government Records Service will hold a roving exhibition at the Aberdeen Public Library from 3 to 13 April 2023 to showcase the selected themes relating to "Food", "Land and Housing", "Transport" and "Recreation" under an "Archives 50 Years" thematic exhibition (https://www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/50years/en/sec3/index.html). Admission is free.
“Archives 50 Years” roving exhibition (Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library)
6 January 2023
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The Public Records Office of the Government Records Service will hold a roving exhibition at the Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library (3/F) from 7 to 30 January 2023 to showcase the 10 selected themes relating to "Food", "Land and Housing", "Transport" and "Recreation" under an "Archives 50 Years" thematic exhibition (https://www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/50years/en/sec3/index.html). Admission is free.
GRS Annual Report 2021
30 December 2022
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The Annual Report 2021 of the Government Records Service has been issued. Please click here to view.
2022
GRS Annual Report 2021
30 December 2022
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The Annual Report 2021 of the Government Records Service has been issued. Please click here to view.
Latest service arrangements for the Government Records Service
29 December 2022
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Following the Government's announcement regarding the latest disease prevention arrangements, starting from today (December 29), the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will provide services for members of the public during opening hours (from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.45pm (excluding public holidays)) without requiring them to make a reservation through the Online Catalogue. The Search Room will continue to be open on Saturdays by prior appointment. A maximum of 20 appointments can be received on every Saturday (except public holidays). Details of the opening arrangements of Search Room on Saturdays are accessible at this link.
Meanwhile, onsite group visits and public education programmes will resume while online group visits will continue to be conducted.
Visitors are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building (the Building), and follow the infection control measures, including temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
For latest updates, please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) or the PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice). For enquiries, please call 2195 7700 during the opening hours of the PRO, or email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Photo Album about Sham Shui Po in the 1980s
16 December 2022
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A new digital photo album entitled "Sham Shui Po in the 1980s" is accessible here.
New price list of our reproduction and records certification services
15 December 2022
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A new price list of our reproduction of holdings and records certification services is effective from 15 December 2022. You may access the price list through this link.
For enquiries, please call 2195 7700.
Latest arrangements for entering the Hong Kong Public Records Building
14 December 2022
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In light of the Government's latest adjustments on anti-epidemic measures, starting from today (December 14) visitors entering the Hong Kong Public Records Building (the Building) are not required to scan the venue QR code with the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile application, but all visitors must comply with the requirements of the Vaccine Pass when entering the Building.
Visitors are also required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Building, and follow the infection control measures, including temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
For latest updates, please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) or the PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice). For enquiries, please call 2195 7700 during the opening hours of the PRO, or email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Photo Album about Scenes of Hong Kong
30 November 2022
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A new digital photo album entitled "Scenes of Hong Kong" is accessible here.
“Archives 50 Years” roving exhibition
22 November 2022
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To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Government Records Service (GRS), the GRS organises an "Archives 50 Years" thematic exhibition (https://www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/50years/en/sec3/index.html). The exhibition, featuring themes closely related to people's daily lives under four categories, namely "Food", "Land and Housing", "Transport" and "Recreation", unveils 50 stories behind the archival records, and takes visitors on a journey through Hong Kong's historical development.
The GRS holds an “Archives 50 Years” roving exhibition, featuring stories of 10 selected themes and their precious archival images, at Exhibition Gallery 1 of the Hong Kong Central Library from 22 November to 3 December 2022. Admission is free.
Information of roving exhibition at another venue will be released on "Archives 50 Years" thematic website (https://www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/50years/en/home/index.html) and GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) on an ongoing basis.
Records destruction information of Bureaux/Departments - 2021
12 October 2022
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The records destruction information of bureaux/departments in 2021 is now accessible here.
"Archives 50 Years" celebration events unveiled:
Exhibition and thematic website newly launched
11 October 2022
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The year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the Government Records Service (GRS) and a major milestone for the GRS. On this special occasion, the GRS hosts a thematic exhibition and organises a series of events under the theme of "Archives 50 Years". The GRS also launches a thematic website (https://www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/50years/en/home/index.html) to showcase the development of the GRS over the past five decades and our valuable holdings, and share some interesting behind-the-scene stories of the GRS staff at work.
The "Archives 50 Years" exhibition, featuring 50 themes closely related to people’s daily lives under the four categories namely "Food", "Land and Housing", "Transport" and "Recreation", is open from today (October 11) onwards. The exhibition unveils 50 stories behind the archival records. Visitors could shuttle in the past and explore Hong Kong in the old days. Members of the public can find the 50 stories and the precious archival images by browsing the online exhibition (https://www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/50years/en/sec3/index.html). They can also visit the Exhibition Hall in person to view a selection of 10 themes displayed. The exhibition opens from Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5.45pm (except for public holidays), in the Exhibition Hall on the second floor of the Hong Kong Public Records Building (Building), 13 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong. Admission is free.
More information of the activities will be released on the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk). The Public Records Office (PRO) will also share interesting stories about the exhibition and the work of the GRS staff on its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice).
In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, members of the public are advised to pay attention to our latest announcement prior to the visit to the Building. For enquiries, please call 2195 7700 or email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Photo Album about Cheung Chau Bun Festival in 1990
6 October 2022
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A new digital photo album entitled "Cheung Chau Bun Festival in 1990" is accessible here.
New price list of our reproduction and records certification services
29 September 2022
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A new price list of our reproduction of holdings and records certification services is effective from 29 September 2022. You may access the price list through this link.
For enquiries, please call 2195 7700.
Photo Album about Kowloon-Canton Railway Section between Mong Kok and Sha Tin in 1984
16 September 2022
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A new digital photo album entitled "Kowloon-Canton Railway Section between Mong Kok and Sha Tin in 1984" is accessible here.
Closure of Exhibition Hall
30 August 2022
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To prepare for staging the upcoming thematic exhibition, the Exhibition Hall will be temporarily closed starting from 13 September 2022. Please visit the exhibition before it closes down.
Latest service arrangements for the Government Records Service
20 April 2022
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The Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (April 20) that starting from April 21, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will resume normal opening hours (from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.45pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm (excluding public holidays)) to provide services for members of the public who have made a reservation through the Online Catalogue. The quota is 15 users per day, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Search Room services will continue to be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings.
The Exhibition Hall of the Hong Kong Public Records Building (Building) will also be reopened starting from April 21. Group visits and public education programmes will continue to be conducted online until further notice.
Members of the public are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures, including presenting the Vaccine Pass, the use of the 'LeaveHomeSafe' mobile application, temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
For latest updates, please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) or the PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice). For enquiries, please call 2195 7700 during the opening hours of the PRO, or email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Latest Service arrangements for the Government Records Service
30 March 2022
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To align with the announcement by the Government to resume public services gradually from April 1, the Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (March 30) that starting from April 1, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 5.45pm until further notice. The Search Room will provide services for members of the public who have made reservations for holdings through the Online Catalogue and the quota is seven users per day, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Services will be limited to:
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction of holdings.
The above services will be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. Members of the public are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures, including the use of the 'LeaveHomeSafe' mobile application, temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
The Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will continue to be closed. Group visits and public education programmes will continue to be conducted online until further notice.
For latest updates, please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) or the PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice). For enquiries, please call 2195 7700 during the opening hours of the PRO, or email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
GRS Annual Report 2020
28 January 2022
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The Annual Report 2020 of the Government Records Service has been issued. Please click here to view.
Online lecture "Public Records Office's Collections about Hong Kong under Japanese Occupation"
26 January 2022
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The Public Records Office of the Government Records Service will co-organise an online lecture "Public Records Office's Collections about Hong Kong under Japanese Occupation" with the Hong Kong Museum of History on 29 January from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. This online lecture highlights Public Records Office's wartime collections. It will be conducted in Cantonese. Participants can join the online lecture free of charge from the YouTube Channel of the Hong Kong Museum of History at https://youtu.be/vCYXUjGzsmo.
For further details about the online lecture, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Museum of History at https://hk.history.museum/documents/54401/25412562/MH_EA_2nd_world_war_lecture_poster_05_AW-01.pdf.
Latest Service Arrangements of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
6 January 2022
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The Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (January 6) that in view of the latest situation of COVID-19, further measures have to be adopted to maintain social distancing. Starting from January 7 (Friday), the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will be temporarily closed and the loan and circulation service for holdings will be suspended. The Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will also be temporarily closed. Group visits and public education programmes will continue to be conducted online.
The above measures will be implemented until further notice. The GRS will closely monitor the situation and review the above arrangements in a timely manner. For updates, please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) and PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice). For enquiries, please call 2195 7700 during the opening hours of the PRO, or email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
2021
"Identity Card – A Timeless Proof" roving exhibition
24 December 2021
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To showcase the transformation of the Hong Kong Identity Card throughout these 70 years, the Public Records Office (PRO) of the Government Records Service (GRS) holds the roving exhibition "Identity Card – A Timeless Proof" at the Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library (3/F) from 24 December 2021 to 17 February 2022. Admission is free.
Photo Album about Kai Tak Airport in 1998
6 December 2021
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A new digital photo album entitled "Kai Tak Airport in 1998" is accessible here.
Photo Album about Cultural and Leisure Complex at Choi Hung Road in 1988
26 November 2021
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A new digital photo album entitled "Cultural and Leisure Complex at Choi Hung Road in 1988" is accessible here.
Photo Album about Quarry Bay Park in 1993
8 November 2021
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A new digital photo album entitled "Quarry Bay Park in 1993" is accessible here.
Strict enforcement of requirement of using "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile application when entering the Hong Kong Public Records Building
29 October 2021
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To align with the announcement by the Government that the use of the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile application (the app) when entering government buildings or offices will be strictly enforced, the Government Records Service (GRS) announced that starting from November 1, except for exempted persons, all persons will be required to use the app to scan the venue QR code before they are allowed to enter the Hong Kong Public Records Building (the Building). Unwillingness to use the app will not be considered as justification for granting exemption by the GRS.
Under the new arrangement, persons who are aged below 12 or aged 65 or above, those with disabilities that render use of the app difficult or individual persons who are granted exemptions by GRS depending on the actual circumstances, will be exempted from the requirement of using the app when they enter the Building. However, they are required to complete a record form to register their names, the first four digits or letters of their identification documents, their contact numbers and the date and time of their visits. They are also required to present relevant identification documents for verification at the request of the staff on-site during registration. The staff will also verify the contact numbers by making phone calls. We call on members of the public to download and use the app as soon as possible and appeal for their co-operation with the staff on-site in respect of the instructions given as a concerted effort to minimise the risk of further transmission of the COVID-19. Any person who knowingly provides information that is false or misleading in a material particular is liable to prosecution. As it will take time to verify personal particulars of exempted persons under the new arrangement, their waiting time for entering the Building may be lengthened. We appeal for the understanding of members of the public.
Members of the public are also required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Building, and follow the infection control measures, including temperature checks upon entering the Building and applying hand sanitiser.
Furthermore, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will continue its normal opening hours (from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.45pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm (excluding public holidays)) to provide services for members of the public who have made a reservation through the Online Catalogue. The quota is 15 users per day, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Search Room services will continue to be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. The Exhibition Hall of the Building will remain open (from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.45pm (excluding public holidays)). Group visits and public education programmes will continue to be conducted online until further notice.
For enquiries, please call 2195 7700 during the opening hours of the PRO, or email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Photo Album about North Point in the 1980s
25 October 2021
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A new digital photo album entitled "North Point in the 1980s" is accessible here.
"Identity Card – A Timeless Proof" roving exhibition and talk
31 August 2021
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The Public Records Office (PRO) of the Government Records Service (GRS) will hold the roving exhibition "Identity Card – A Timeless Proof" at the Immigration Tower (1/F, Footbridge Level) from 4 September to 28 November to showcase the transformation of the ID card throughout these 70 years.
We will also organise a talk titled "Evolution of Identity Card: An Archival Story" on 4 September at the Hong Kong Museum of History. The talk, to be conducted in Cantonese, will cover the current exhibition as well as the functions and services of the PRO. Limited seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Admission to the roving exhibition and talk is free.
Current Exhibition: " Identity Card – A Timeless Proof "
23 August 2021
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Going from a paper document to a laminated card, from computerisation to smart authentication, the evolution of Hong Kong identity card (ID card) has witnessed the changes of society and the advancement of technological development since its issuance in 1949. The transformation of ID card throughout these 70 years is introduced in the Public Records Office's annual exhibition titled "Identity Card – A Timeless Proof" this year.
The "Identity Card – A Timeless Proof" exhibition is open from today (August 23) onwards from Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5.45pm (except for public holidays) at the Exhibition Hall on the second floor of the Hong Kong Public Records Building at 13 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong. Admission is free.
The exhibition showcases over 70 holdings. Apart from displaying all generations of ID card and equipment for the production of ID card on loan from the Immigration Department, exhibits include photos related to registration of persons in Hong Kong, for example, precious historical photos showing members of the public taking the ID card photo and mobile registration team in action in the 1960s, as well as Government promotional posters on ID card registration, etc.
Besides that, the exhibition features the reasons behind the changes in the designs of ID card. Why didn’t the juvenile ID card in the 1960s include the photo and given name of the card holder? Why were photo and given name added to the card in the 1970s? How was the registration of persons legislation amended? Answers can be found in the "Identity Card – A Timeless Proof" exhibition.
In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, cleaning and disinfection measures will be stepped up at the Exhibition Hall. Visitors should follow the infection control measures implemented at the Hong Kong Public Records Building, including wearing masks at all times when they are inside the Building, undergoing temperature checks before entering the Building, applying hand sanitiser and scanning the "LeaveHomeSafe" QR code or registering through other means.
Wish to enjoy a more laid-back tour? The Public Records Office has launched an online exhibition, and will share interesting information about the history of Hong Kong ID card through its Facebook page. Members of the public are welcomed to visit the Facebook page. In addition, the Public Records Office will also hold roving exhibitions. For details, please visit the Government Records Service website, the Public Records Office Facebook page or call the Public Records Office at 2195 7700.
Closure of Exhibition Hall
6 July 2021
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To prepare for staging the upcoming thematic exhibition, the Exhibition Hall will be temporarily closed starting from 15th July 2021. There are still seven opening days before the closure of current thematic exhibition, members of the public are encouraged to view the exhibition before it closes down.
GRS Annual Report 2019
2 July 2021
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The Annual Report 2019 of the Government Records Service has been issued. Please click here to view.
New additions to the archives of the Government Records Service:
Archival records relating to Hong Kong from The National Archives of the United Kingdom and the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library of the United States of America
31 May 2021
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To enhance its existing archival holdings, the Public Records Office (PRO) of the Government Records Service (GRS) has acquired a total of 416 archival records relating to Hong Kong from The National Archives of the United Kingdom (TNA) and 10 records from the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library of the United States of America. These archival records, in the form of digital copies, are put under 11 Hong Kong Manuscript Series (HKMS). They are available for public viewing starting from 2 June 2021. Members of the public are welcome to visit the Search Room of the PRO to inspect these records which have already been included in our online catalogue.
Brief description of the new additions
The records acquired from TNA
These 416 records are selected from nine records series of TNA and they are now grouped into the following records series under the HKMS of PRO, as follows –
HKMS184: Microfilm/Digital Images of Confidential General and Confidential Original Correspondence from the Colonial Office (Selected Records of CO 537);
HKMS186: Microfilm/Digital images of Original Correspondence, Defence Department and successors, Colonial Office and Commonwealth Office (Selected Records of CO 968);
HKMS188: Microfilm/Digital Images of Registered Files from the Far Eastern Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (F and FE Series) (Selected Records of FCO 21);
HKMS189: Microfilm/Digital Images of Registered Files from the Hong Kong Departments of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (selected Records of FCO 40);
HKMS195: Digital Images of Correspondence and Papers from the Prime Minister's Office, 1979-1997 (Selected Records of PREM 19);
HKMS196: Digital Images of Minutes and Papers from the Defence and Oversea Policy Committees and Sub-Committees of the Cabinet Office (DO, DOP, OPD and OPDO Series) (Selected Records of CAB 148);
HKMS218: Digital Images of Records of the Cabinet Office: Cabinet Minutes and Papers (CM and CC Series) (Selected Records of CAB128);
HKMS232: Digital Images of Diplomatic Reports and Diplomatic Documents from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Selected Records of FCO 160);
HKMS233: Digital Images of Registered Files from the Information Research Department of the Foreign Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Selected Records of FCO 168)
The newly acquired records covered a wide range of subjects such as the future of Hong Kong, politics and leaders, visits of Chinese and British principal officials, the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the Basic Law, economic and financial development of Hong Kong, nationality and citizenship, political environment and international relations, port and airport development, etc. The covering period of the above records is from late 1930s to mid-1990s.
The records acquired from the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library
These 10 records are selected from two collections of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and they are now grouped into two corresponding records series under the HKMS of PRO, as follows –
HKMS221: Digital Images of Files from the National Security Council, USA (Selected Records of OA/ID CF00348, OA/ID CF00349, OA/ID CF01313, OA/ID CF01722 and OA/ID CF01734)
HKMS243: Digital Images of Files from the Advance Office, USA (Selected Records of OA/ID 14575)
The newly acquired records mainly touch on the arrangements of the official visit of the then US Vice President George H.W. Bush to the Mainland and Hong Kong in 1985; and the visit of Sir David Wilson, the then Governor of Hong Kong to the US in 1989. The covering period of the above records is from the 1980s to the 1990s.
Records destruction information of Bureaux/Departments - 2020
28 April 2021
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The records destruction information of bureaux/departments in 2020 is now accessible here.
Latest service arrangements for the Government Records Service
16 February 2021
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To align with the announcement by the Government to fully resume normal public services, the Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (February 16) that starting from February 18, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will resume normal opening hours (from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.45pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm (excluding public holidays)) to provide services for members of the public who have made a reservation through the Online Catalogue. The quota is 15 users per day, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Search Room services will continue to be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings.
The Exhibition Hall of the Hong Kong Public Records Building (Building) will also be reopened starting from February 18. Group visits and public education programmes will continue to be conducted online until further notice.
Members of the public are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Building, and follow the infection control measures, including temperature checks upon entering the Building and applying hand sanitiser.
Furthermore, to align with the announcement by the Government to use the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app before entering government buildings or offices, starting from March 1, members of the public will be required to scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" QR code or register their names, contact numbers and the date and time of their visits before entering the Building for necessary contact tracing if a confirmed case is found. To allow members of the public to familiarise themselves with the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app, from February 22 onwards, GRS will first remind members of the public to use the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app at the entrance of the Building. To fight the epidemic together, we appeal for visitors' co-operation with the instructions given by the staff on site.
For latest updates, please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) or the PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice). For enquiries, please email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Latest service arrangements for the Government Records Service
28 January 2021
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To align with the announcement by the Government to resume some basic public services, the Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (January 28) that starting from February 1, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 5.45pm until further notice. The Search Room will continue to provide services for members of the public who have made reservations for holdings through the Online Catalogue and the quota will remain at seven users per day, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Services will be limited to:
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction of holdings.
The above services will continue to be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. Members of the public are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures, including temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
While the Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will continue to be closed and onsite visits and public education programmes suspended until further notice, members of the public could visit GRS website to know more about PRO’s holdings and services, appreciate the thematic exhibitions and also join the online group visits. The online group visits are free-of-charge. For details, please visit www.grs.gov.hk/pdf/Group_visit_en.pdf.
For latest updates, please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) or the PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice). For enquiries, please email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Service arrangements of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
20 January 2021
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In view of the latest epidemic situation and extension of special work arrangements for government employees, the Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (January 20) that the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will continue to open only on Wednesdays (until further notice) from 9am to 5.45pm to provide services for members of the public who have made reservations for holdings through the Online Catalogue. The quota is seven users, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Services will be limited to:
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction of holdings.
The above services will be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. Members of the public are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures implemented by the GRS, including temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
The PRO has recently launched free-of-charge online group visit enabling members of the public to know more about PRO’s holdings and services, appreciating the thematic exhibitions and visual materials at fingertips. For details, please visit www.grs.gov.hk/pdf/Group_visit_en.pdf.
Meanwhile, the Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will be temporarily closed. Onsite visits and public education programmes will continue to be suspended until further notice.
For latest updates, please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) or the PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice). For enquiries, please email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Online Group Visit
15 January 2021
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We are pleased to announce that, from 15 January 2021 onwards, online group visit is provided by the Public Records Office (PRO) of the Government Records Service. The online group visit includes an introduction of PRO holdings, services, thematic exhibition as well as a film show. It usually lasts about 1 hour. Online group visit is free of charge. Details of the arrangements are accessible at this link.
Service arrangements of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
5 January 2021
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In view of the latest epidemic situation and extension of special work arrangements for government employees, the Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (January 5) that from January 7 to 20, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will continue to open only on Wednesdays (January 13 and 20) from 9am to 5.45pm to provide services for members of the public who have made reservations for holdings through the Online Catalogue. The quota is seven users per day, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Services will be limited to:
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction of holdings.
The above services will be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. Members of the public are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures implemented by the GRS, including temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
The Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will be temporarily closed. Visits and public education programmes will continue to be suspended until further notice.
The above measures will be implemented until January 20 and will be reviewed then. Please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) or the PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice) for latest updates. For enquiries, please email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
2020
Service arrangements of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
23 December 2020
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In view of the latest epidemic situation and extension of special work arrangements for government employees, the Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (December 23) that from December 24, 2020 to January 6, 2021, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will only open on Wednesdays (December 30, 2020 and January 6, 2021) from 9am to 5.45pm to provide services for members of the public who have made reservations for holdings through the Online Catalogue. The quota is seven users per day, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Services will be limited to:
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction of holdings.
The above services will be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. Members of the public are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures implemented by the GRS, including temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
The Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will be temporarily closed. Visits and public education programmes will continue to be suspended until further notice.
The above measures will be implemented until January 6, 2021 and will be reviewed then. Please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) or the PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice) for latest updates. For enquiries, please email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Photo Album about Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the 1960s
18 December 2020
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A new digital photo album entitled "Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the 1960s" is accessible here.
Service arrangements of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
15 December 2020
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In view of the latest epidemic situation and extension of special work arrangements for government employees, the Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (December 15) that from December 16 to 23, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will only open on December 18 (Friday) and 23 (Wednesday) from 9am to 5.45pm to provide services for members of the public who have made reservations for holdings through the Online Catalogue. The quota is seven users per day, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Services will be limited to:
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction of holdings.
The above services will be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. Members of the public are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures implemented by the GRS including temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
The Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will be temporarily closed. Visits and public education programmes will continue to be suspended until further notice.
The above measures will be implemented until December 23 and will be reviewed. Please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) and the PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice) for latest updates. For enquiries, please email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Service arrangements of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
1 December 2020
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In view of the latest epidemic situation and special work arrangements for Government employees, the Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (December 1) that from December 2 to 15, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will only open on Fridays (December 4 and 11) from 9am to 5.45pm to provide services for members of the public who have made reservations for holdings through the Online Catalogue. The quota is seven users per day, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Services will be limited to:
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction of holdings.
The above services will be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. Members of the public are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures implemented by the GRS including temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
The Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will be temporarily closed. Visits and public education programmes will continue to be suspended until further notice.
The above measures will be implemented until December 15 and will be reviewed. Please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) and PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice) for latest updates. For enquiries, please email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
New additions to the archives of the Government Records Service:
Archival records relating to Hong Kong from The National Archives of the United Kingdom
3 November 2020
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To enhance its existing archival holdings, the Public Records Office ("PRO") of the Government Records Service ("GRS") has acquired a total of 29 archival records relating to Hong Kong from The National Archives of the United Kingdom ("TNA"). These archival records, in the form of digital copies, are put under seven Hong Kong Manuscript Series ("HKMS"). They are available for public viewing starting from 4 November 2020. Members of the public are welcome to visit the Search Room of the PRO to inspect these records which have already been included in our online catalogue.
To minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading in the community, the Search Room service of the PRO has been adjusted. GRS will continue to monitor the latest situation of COVID-19 closely and review the arrangements on Search Room services of the PRO in a timely manner. Members of the public are advised to visit GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) for the latest updates prior to their visit to PRO.
Brief description of the new additions
These 29 records are selected from seven records series of TNA, namely:
- CAB 148: Cabinet Office: Defence and Oversea Policy Committees and Sub-Committees: Minutes and Papers (DO, DOP, OPD and OPDO Series)
- CO 129: War and Colonial Department and Colonial Office: Hong Kong, Original Correspondence
- DEFE 11: Ministry of Defence: Chiefs of Staff Committee: Registered Files
- DEFE 70: Ministry of Defence (Army): Registered Files and Branch Folders
- FCO 21: Foreign Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Far Eastern Department: Registered Files (F and FE Series)
- FO 371: Foreign Office: Political Departments: General Correspondence from 1906-1966
- PREM 19: Records of the Prime Minister's Office: Correspondence and Papers, 1979-1997
They are now grouped into the following records series under the HKMS of PRO, as follows –
HKMS 188: Digital Images of Registered Files from the Far Eastern Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (F and FE Series) (Selected Records of FCO 21);
HKMS 195: Digital Images of Correspondence and Papers from the Prime Minister's Office, 1979-1997 (Selected Records of PREM 19);
HKMS 196: Digital Images of Minutes and Papers from the Defence and Oversea Policy Committees and Sub-Committees of the Cabinet Office (DO, DOP, OPD and OPDO Series);
HKMS 203: Digital Images of General Correspondence from the Political Departments of the Foreign Office from 1906-1966 (Selected Records of FO 371);
HKMS 230: Digital Images of Original Correspondence from the War and Colonial Department and the Colonial Office (Selected Records of CO 129);
HKMS 231: Digital Images of Registered Files and Branch Folders from the Ministry of Defence (Air and Army) (Selected Records of DEFE 70 and DEFE 71);
HKMS 242: Digital Images of Registered Files from the Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Ministry of Defence.
The newly acquired records covered the following subjects: territory boundaries of Kowloon and the New Territories; Walled City in Kowloon; situation of Hong Kong under Japanese occupation (1941-1945); 1967 disturbances; military deployment and garrison in Hong Kong; the Hong Kong Garrison Outline Withdrawal Plan; the recce reports near the land border in early 1990s; and political situations of Hong Kong in the late 1980s and early 1990s etc. The covering period of the above records is from the 1930s to the early 1990s.
Photo Album about Health Display in 1963
23 October 2020
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A new digital photo album entitled “Health Display in 1963” is accessible here.
New Release of Digital Access Copies of Holdings of the Government Records Service:
1990s Government Daily Information Bulletin
8 October 2020
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The Public Records Office of the Government Records Service has uploaded access copies of both Chinese and English versions of the Daily Information Bulletin transferred from the Information Services Department, for the period between 1990 and 1997, to the online catalogue @PRO for free access. Details are as follows-
| Reference Number | Title | Covering Years |
| XN000022 | Daily Information Bulletin | January 1990 to April 1997 |
| XN000023 | 新聞公報 | January 1990 to April 1997 |
Members of the public could either click the titles of holdings or use "Daily Information Bulletin" to search the online catalogue, and then click the download icon to access to the downloaded copies.
Content of the Daily Information Bulletin covers a variety of subjects relating to politics, economy and social livelihood matters, such as meetings of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group, constitutional development, the Basic Law, arrangements for the Legislative Council, Urban Council and Regional Council elections, the Budgets, civil service localisation policy, assumption of office of officials, new town development, the Airport Core Programme, transportation strategy and franchise for the specified route, the Direct Subsidy Scheme, the Tenants Purchase Scheme, the new telephone numbering plan, as well as foreign trade and the Consumer Price Index, etc.
"Folk Festivals in Those Days..." roving exhibition
5 October 2020
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The Public Records Office (PRO) of the Government Records Service (GRS) will hold the roving exhibition "Folk Festivals in Those Days..." at the Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library from October 6 to 29. Admission is free. Information of roving exhibitions at other venues will be updated on an ongoing basis. For details of the exhibitions, please visit the online exhibition.
"Folk Festivals in Those Days..." roving exhibition
16 September 2020
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The Public Records Office (PRO) of the Government Records Service (GRS) will hold the roving exhibition "Folk Festivals in Those Days..." at the Sha Tin Public Library from September 17 to 23. Admission is free. Information of roving exhibitions at other venues will be updated on an ongoing basis. For details of the exhibitions, please visit the online exhibition.
Service arrangements of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
14 September 2020
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The Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (September 14) that starting from September 15 (Tuesday), the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will resume normal opening hours (from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.45pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm (excluding public holidays)) to provide services for members of the public who have made a reservation through the Online Catalogue. The quota is 15 users per day, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Search Room services will be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation. Details of the arrangements are accessible at this link.
The Exhibition Hall of the Hong Kong Public Records Building will also be re-opened on September 15. Visits and public education programmes will continue to be suspended until further notice.
Members of the public are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures implemented by the GRS including temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
The GRS will continue to monitor the situation closely and review the arrangements in a timely manner. For updates, please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) and PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice). For enquiries, please call 2195 7700 during the opening hours of the PRO, or email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Service arrangements of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
29 August 2020
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The Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (August 29) that the Public Records Office (PRO) will further resume its Search Room services from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.45pm (excluding public holidays) for members of the public who have made a reservation for holdings through the Online Catalogue. The quota is seven users per day, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Services will be limited to:
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings;
2. General enquiries; and
3. Reproduction services.
The above services will be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. Meanwhile, users are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures implemented by the GRS including temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
The Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will continue to be closed. Visits and public education programmes are suspended until further notice.
The GRS will continue to monitor the situation closely and review the arrangements in a timely manner. For updates, please visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) and PRO Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice). For enquiries, please call 2195 7700 during the opening hours of the PRO, or email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
New additions to the archives of the Government Records Service:
Archival records relating to Hong Kong from The National Archives of the United Kingdom
28 August 2020
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To enhance its existing archival holdings, the Public Records Office ("PRO") of the Government Records Service ("GRS") has acquired a total of 373 archival records relating to Hong Kong from The National Archives of the United Kingdom ("TNA"). These archival records, in the form of digital copies, are put under one Hong Kong Manuscript Series ("HKMS"). They are available for public viewing starting from 31 August 2020. Members of the public are welcome to visit the Search Room of the PRO to inspect these records which have already been included in our online catalogue.
To minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading in the community, the Search Room service of the PRO has been adjusted. GRS will continue to monitor the latest situation of COVID-19 closely and review the arrangements on Search Room services of the PRO in a timely manner. Members of the public are advised to visit GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) for the latest updates prior to their visit to PRO.
Brief description of the new additions
HKMS189: Microfilm / Digital Images of Registered Files of Hong Kong Departments, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Selected records of FCO 40)
The newly acquired records covered the following subjects: Vietnamese boat people; House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee enquiry regarding Hong Kong; foreign consular representations; Hong Kong annual review and annual report; relations between Hong Kong and other countries; air services agreement between Hong Kong and other countries; postage matters; extradition matters; revisions of domestic ordinances and extension of international laws into Hong Kong; Hong Kong's international rights and obligations; civil service matters; Legislative Council appointments; civil service appointments and other senior appointments; visa matters; international organisations and conferences on various issues; and banking and investment in Hong Kong etc. The covering period of the above records is from 1967 to 1993.
Photo Album about Aldrich Bay, 1974 - 1977
24 August 2020
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A new digital photo album entitled "Aldrich Bay, 1974 - 1977" is accessible here.
Service of Public Records Office of Government Records Service resumes gradually
21 August 2020
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The Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (August 21) that services of the Public Records Office will gradually be resumed starting from August 24. The Search Room of the Public Records Office will provide services on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 5.45pm for users who have made a reservation for holdings through the Online Catalogue until further notice. The quota is seven users per day, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Services will be limited to:
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings;
2. General enquiries; and
3. Reproduction services.
The above services will be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. Meanwhile, users are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures implemented by the GRS including temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
The Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will continue to be closed. Visits and public education programmes are suspended until further notice.
Members of the public may visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) and PRO Facebook (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice) for updates. For enquiries, please email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Service arrangements of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
14 August 2020
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In line with the extension of the special work arrangement announced by the Government, the Government Records Service (GRS) today (August 14) announced that from August 17 to 23, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will only open on Wednesday (August 19) from 9am to 1pm for users who have made a reservation for holdings through the Online Catalogue. The quota is four users, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Public services will be limited to:
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction of holdings.
The above services will be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. Meanwhile, users are required to wear masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures implemented by the GRS including temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
The Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will continue to be closed. Visits and public education programmes are suspended until further notice.
The above measures will be implemented until August 23 and will be reviewed. Members of the public may visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) and PRO Facebook (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice) for updates. For enquiries, please email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Service arrangements of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
7 August 2020
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In line with the extension of the special work arrangements announced by the Government, the Government Records Service (GRS) today (August 7) announced that during the period between August 10 to August 16, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will only open on Wednesday (August 12) from 9am to 1pm for users who have made a reservation for holdings through the Online Catalogue. The quota is four users, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Public services to be provided will be limited to:
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction of holdings.
The above services will be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. Meanwhile, users should wear surgical masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures implemented by the GRS including temperature checks upon entering the building and applying hand sanitiser.
The Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will continue to be closed. Visits and public education programmes are suspended until further notice.
The above measures will be implemented until August 16 and will be reviewed. Members of the public may visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) and PRO Facebook (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice) for updates. For enquiries, please email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Service arrangements of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
31 July 2020
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In line with the extension of the special work arrangement announced by the Government, the Government Records Service (GRS) today (July 31) announced that during the period between August 3 to August 9, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will only open on Wednesday (August 5) from 9am to 1pm for users who have made a reservation for holdings through the Online Catalogue. The quota is four users, which will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Public services to be provided will be limited to:
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction of holdings.
The above services will be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. Meanwhile, users should wear surgical masks at all times when they are inside the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and follow the infection control measures implemented by the GRS including temperature checks upon entering the Building and applying hand sanitiser.
The Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will continue to be closed. Visits and public education programmes are suspended until further notice.
The above measures will be implemented until August 9 and will be reviewed. Members of the public may visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) and PRO Facebook (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice) for updates. For enquiries, please email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Service arrangements of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
24 July 2020
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In line with the extension of special work arrangement announced by the Government on July 23, the Government Records Service (GRS) today (July 24) announced that during the period between July 27 and August 2, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will only open on Wednesday (29 July) for users who have made a reservation for holdings through the Online Catalogue. The quota is seven users which will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Public services to be provided will be limited to:
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction of holdings.
The above services will be suspended for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings. Meanwhile, users should wear surgical masks at all times when they are entering or are present in the Hong Kong Public Records Building, and comply with the infection control measures implemented by GRS including temperature checks and use of hand sanitizer arrangements.
Exhibition Hall in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will also be closed. Visits and public education programmes will continue to be suspended until further notice.
The above measures will be implemented until August 2 and will be reviewed. Members of the public may visit the GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) and PRO Facebook (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice) for updates. For enquiries, please email proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Service arrangements of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
20 July 2020
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In line with the special work arrangement announced by the Government on July 19, the Government Records Service (GRS) announced that during the period between July 20 and July 26, the Search Room of the Public Records Office (PRO) will only open on Monday (July 20) for users who have made a reservation for holdings through the Online Catalogue. The quota is 7 users and the public services to be provided will be limited to -
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction services
Reservations for Search Room services will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Services for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings will be suspended.
Besides, Exhibition Hall in Hong Kong Public Records Building of GRS will be temporarily closed, and visitor and public education programmes will continue to be suspended until further notice.
The above measures will be implemented until July 26 and will be reviewed thereafter. Members of the public may visit GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) and PRO Facebook (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice) for the latest updates. For enquiries, please email at proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Photo Album about 1993 Agricultural Carnival
17 July 2020
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A new digital photo album entitled "1993 Agricultural Carnival" is accessible here.
Latest Arrangements on Services of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
15 July 2020
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In view of the latest situation of COVID-19, the Government Records Service (GRS) have adopted further measures to maintain social distancing.
While its Public Records Office (PRO) will continue to provide services for members of the public who have made reservations through the Online Catalogue, the quota is reduced to seven users for each open day on a first-come, first-served basis. Users will be notified of the reservation result by email. Details of the arrangements are accessible at this link.
To help ensure public safety, any person entering the Hong Kong Public Records Building should:
- wear his or her own face mask;
- undergo on-the-spot body temperature check arranged by the GRS; and
- use hand sanitiser.
Anyone who refuses the above arrangements without valid reasons or whose body temperature is higher than the prescribed level will not be allowed to enter the Building.
The GRS will also enhance cleansing of the public facilities, and will continue to monitor the situation closely and review the above arrangements in a timely manner. Members of the public are advised to visit GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) for the latest updates prior to their visits to PRO. For enquiries, please call 2195 7700 during the PRO's opening hours or email at proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Records destruction information of Bureaux/Departments - 2019
30 June 2020
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The records destruction information of bureaux/departments in 2019 is now accessible here.
New additions to the archives of the Government Records Service:
Archival records relating to Hong Kong from The National Archives of the United Kingdom
26 June 2020
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To enhance its existing archival holdings, the Public Records Office ("PRO") of the Government Records Service ("GRS") has acquired a total of 91 archival records relating to Hong Kong from The National Archives of the United Kingdom ("TNA"). These archival records, in the form of digital copies, are put under 17 Hong Kong Manuscript Series ("HKMS"). They are available for public viewing starting from 29 June 2020. Members of the public are welcome to visit the Search Room of the PRO to inspect these records which have already been included in our online catalogue.
To minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading in the community, the Search Room service of the PRO has been adjusted. GRS will continue to monitor the latest situation of COVID-19 closely and review the arrangements on Search Room services of the PRO in a timely manner. Members of the public are advised to visit GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) for the latest updates prior to their visit to PRO.
Brief description of the new additions
These 91 records are selected from 18 records series of TNA, namely:
- BT 31: Board of Trade: Companies Registration Office: Files of Dissolved Companies
- CO 537: Colonial Office and predecessors: Confidential General and Confidential Original Correspondence
- CO 1035: Colonial Office: Intelligence and Security Departments: Registered Files (ISD Series)
- DEFE 70: Ministry of Defence (Army): Registered Files and Branch Folders
- DEFE 71: Ministry of Defence (Air): Registered Files and Branch Folders
- FCO 37: Commonwealth Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office: South Asia Department: Registered Files (S and FS Series)
- FCO 40: Commonwealth Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Hong Kong Departments: Registered Files, Hong Kong, British Honduras, British Indian Ocean Territories and the Seychelles (HW and HK Series)
- FCO 58: Foreign Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office: United Nations (Political) Department: Registered Files (UP and UL Series)
- FCO 98: Foreign and Commonwealth Office: European Integration Department (External): Registered Files (E(MX) Series)
- FCO 160: Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Diplomatic Reports and Diplomatic Documents
- FCO 168: Foreign Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Information Research Department; Registered Files (O and RJ Prefix)
- FO 371: Foreign Office: Political Departments: General Correspondence from 1906-1966
- OS 62: Ordnance Survey International Library: International Boundary Archive
- PREM 19: Records of the Prime Minister's Office: Correspondence and Papers, 1979-1997
- T 220: Treasury: Imperial and Foreign Division: Registered Files (IF series)
- T 450: HM Treasury: Overseas Finance Sector, External Finance Group, Balance of Payments Division: EMP (External Monetary Policy) and ERMP (Exchange Rates and Monetary Policy) prefix records
- T 492: HM Treasury: Home, Law and Order and successors: Registered Files (HLO and PR prefixes)
- WO 305: War Office and Ministry of Defence: Army Unit Historical Records and Reports.
They are now grouped into the following records series under the HKMS of PRO, as follows –
HKMS184: Microfilm / Digital Images of Confidential General and Confidential Original Correspondence from the Colonial Office (Selected Records of CO 537);
HKMS187: Microfilm / Digital Images of Registered Files from the Intelligence & Security Departments of the Colonial Office (ISD series) (Selected Records of CO 1035);
HKMS189: Microfilm / Digital Images of Registered Files of Hong Kong Departments, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Selected records of FCO 40);
HKMS195: Digital Images of Correspondence and Papers from the Prime Minister's Office, 1979-1997 (Selected Records of PREM 19);
HKMS203: Digital Images of General Correspondence from the Political Departments of the Foreign Office from 1906-1966 (Selected Records of FO 371).
HKMS229: Digital Images of Files of Dissolved Companies from the Companies Registration Office of the Board of Trade (Selected Records of BT 31);
HKMS231: Digital Images of Registered Files and Branch Folders from the Ministry of Defence (Air and Army) (Selected Records of DEFE 70 and DEFE 71);
HKMS232: Digital Images of Diplomatic Reports and Diplomatic Documents from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Selected Records of FCO 160);
HKMS233: Digital Images of Registered Files from the Information Research Department of the Foreign Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Selected Records of FCO 168);
HKMS234: Digital Images of Registered Files from the South Asia Department of the Commonwealth Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (S and FS Series) (Selected Records of FCO 37);
HKMS235: Digital Images of Registered Files from the United Nations (Political) Department of the Foreign Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UP and UL Series) (Selected Records of FCO 58);
HKMS236: Digital Images of Registered Files from the European Integration Department (External) of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (E(MX) Series) (Selected Records of FCO 98);
HKMS237: Digital Images of International Boundary Archive of the Ordnance Survey International Library (Selected Records of OS 62);
HKMS238: Digital Images of Registered Files from the Imperial and Foreign Division of the Treasury (IF Series) (Selected Records of T 220);
HKMS239: Digital Images of Records from the Balance of Payments Division of the External Finance Group of the Overseas Finance Sector of the HM Treasury (Selected Records of T 450);
HKMS240: Digital Images of Registered Files from the Home, Law and Order (and successors) of the HM Treasury (Selected Records of T 492).
HKMS241: Digital Images of Army Unit Historical Records and Reports from the War Office of the Ministry of Defence (Selected Records of WO 305).
The newly acquired records covered the subjects including future of Hong Kong, defence, security and intelligence matters of Hong Kong, the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act, constitutional developments of Hong Kong, Margaret H. Thatcher's overseas visits, drugs problem, Hong Kong Government information services matters, the relations between Hong Kong and the European Community, Hong Kong's economic developments, new airport project, etc. The covering period of most of the above records is from late 1940s to mid 1990s.
"Folk Festivals in Those Days..." roving exhibition
19 June 2020
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The Public Records Office (PRO) of the Government Records Service (GRS) holds the roving exhibition "Folk Festivals in Those Days..." at the Sam Tung Uk Museum in Tsuen Wan from June 19 to September 7. Admission is free. A bun-scrambling interactive game has been specially designed for this roving exhibition, which is the first roving exhibition under the same theme organised by the PRO of the GRS. Information of roving exhibitions at other venues will be updated on an ongoing basis. For the opening hours and other details of the exhibitions, please visit the online exhibition.
Current Exhibition: "Folk Festivals in Those Days…"
12 June 2020
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How was the history of the oldest Tin Hau temple in Hong Kong revealed? When did "Ping On Buns" of the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival first come into existence? How were the event venues of Yu Lan Ghost Festival of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow community set up? Answers can be found in this year's annual exhibition of the Public Records Office titled "Folk Festivals in Those Days..."
The Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, Yu Lan Ghost Festival of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow community, and Tin Hau Festival in Hong Kong are part of Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage. These festivals have been carrying their rituals and traditions through generations, evolving over time and people, to become how they are so accustomed today.
The exhibition will showcase a mix of archival holdings and exhibits on loan from the community, which is an interesting juxtaposition of the past and present celebration of the three festivals. It also presents the outcome of interactive collaborations between the event organisers and government departments.
Among the some 80 archival records, photographs and publications on display, the most historically significant is a batch of records relating to Tai Miu, the Tin Hau Temple located at Joss House Bay in Sai Kung. Tai Miu, a Grade 1 historic building, is believed to be the oldest and largest temple for worshipping Tin Hau in Hong Kong. Records show that during a Government expedition in 1959 to inspect a rock inscription at Joss House Bay dating back to Southern Song Dynasty, the historical origin of Tai Miu was established and Tai Miu has since been developed into a cultural and tourist site. Another archival record reveals that the Chinese character "壽", meaning longevity, was once printed on buns distributed during the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival. The characters "平安" (meaning "peace") on the buns nowadays appeared only in 2005 when the Bun-scrambling Competition resumed in the same year. The Public Records Office, through multimedia presentation of the venue setting and items contributed from the community, will bring the old days of the Yu Lan Ghost Festival of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow community back to life. This is a highlight of the exhibition which should not be missed!
If you prefer a more laid-back tour, please visit our online exhibition where over a hundred precious historical photographs, lists of archival records as well as library holdings on traditional festivals of Hong Kong are available for easy search and access. The Public Records Office has also launched a Facebook page to introduce its holdings and events to visitors, facilitating interactions with the wider community.
A joy that's shared is a joy made double. If you have photographs related to the three festivals, please take part in our public engagement activity titled "Festival@Community" and contribute these items to the Public Records Office. The Public Records Office will select suitable ones for uploading to the online exhibition and posting at the Search Room for sharing with other visitors. For details, please refer to the online exhibition.
"Folk Festivals in Those Days..." exhibition is open from today onwards from Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5.45pm (except for public holidays) at the Exhibition Hall on the second floor of the Hong Kong Public Records Building at 13 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong. Admission is free. The Public Records Office will also hold roving exhibitions, debuting on June 19 at Sam Tung Uk Museum in Tsuen Wan. For details, please visit the Government Records Service website (www.grs.gov.hk) or call the Public Records Office at 2195 7700.
In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, the cleaning and disinfection measures will be stepped up at the Exhibition Hall. Visitors must undergo temperature checks before entering the Hong Kong Public Records Building. They are recommended to wear face masks. Those with body temperature above the prescribed level or refuse to take temperature checks will not be allowed to enter the Building.
International Archives Week 2020
12 June 2020
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In celebration of the International Archives Week, the Government Records Service will join online live sharing sessions organised by the Hong Kong Archives Society on 13 and 14 June 2020.
Details are as follows:
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13 June 2020 (Saturday) |
14 June 2020 (Sunday) |
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12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. |
3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
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Content of online live sharing sessions |
Preservation and promotion of school archives |
Tracing the anti-epidemic story |
The sessions will be conducted in Cantonese and are free of charge. Participants can join the online live sharing sessions from the Hong Kong Archives Society's Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/HKArchivesSociety/.
For further details about the online live sharing sessions, please visit the website of Hong Kong Archives Society at:
http://www.archives.org.hk/en/page.php?pagename=latest_news&submenu=LATEST&nid=115.
New additions to the archives of the Government Records Service:
Archival records relating to Hong Kong from The National Archives of the United Kingdom, the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library of the United States of America
7 May 2020
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To enhance its existing archival holdings, the Public Records Office ("PRO") of the Government Records Service ("GRS") has acquired a total of 193 archival records relating to Hong Kong from The National Archives of the United Kingdom ("TNA"), the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library of the United States of America. These archival records, in the form of digital copies, are put under ten Hong Kong Manuscript Series ("HKMS"). They are available for public viewing starting from 8 May 2020. Members of the public are welcome to visit the Search Room of the PRO to inspect these records which have already been included in our online catalogue.
To minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading in the community, the Search Room service of the PRO has been adjusted. GRS will continue to monitor the latest situation of COVID-19 closely and review the arrangements on Search Room services of the PRO in a timely manner. Members of the public are advised to visit GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) for the latest updates prior to their visit to PRO.
Brief description of the new additions
The records acquired from TNA
These 101 records are selected from two records series of TNA, namely FCO 21: Foreign Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Far Eastern Department: Registered Files (F and FE Series) and FCO 40: Commonwealth Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Hong Kong Departments: Registered Files, Hong Kong, British Honduras, British Indian Ocean Territories and the Seychelles (HW and HK Series). They are now grouped into two corresponding records series under the HKMS of PRO, as follows –
HKMS188: Microfilm / Digital Images of Registered files of Far Eastern Department, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Selected records of FCO 21)
The newly acquired records in this series comprise five digitised records selected from FCO 21: Foreign Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Far Eastern Department: Registered Files (F and FE Series). These records contain a special study of the future of Hong Kong from various aspects such as administration and military; information of Margaret Thatcher visit to China in 1991 and a proposed visit of Alastair Goodlad to China and Hong Kong; UK policy on relaxing measures against China after the Tiananmen Square Incident; and Heads of Mission Conference of Trade of the Pacific Rim. The covering period of the files in this deposit is 1982 to 1992.
HKMS189: Microfilm / Digital Images of Registered Files of Hong Kong Departments, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (selected records of FCO 40)
The newly acquired records in this series comprise 96 digitised records selected from FCO 40: Commonwealth Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Hong Kong Department: Registered Files, Hong Kong, British Honduras, British Indian Ocean Territories and the Seychelles (HW and HK Series). The records are mainly about the future of Hong Kong, covering a wide range of topics, including assessment and suggestion about Hong Kong situation, suggestion of creating an independent prosecuting authority after 1997, mutual legal assistance and reciprocal judicial assistance between the Mainland and Hong Kong, extradition agreements between Hong Kong and foreign countries, administrative and legal matters in relations to the Joint Liaison Group and its relations with Legislative Council, UK nationality scheme and the granting of full British citizenship to some Hong Kong people, and port and airport development strategy. The covering period of the files in this deposit is 1968 to 1992.
The records acquired from the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library of the United States of America
These 49 records are selected from three collections of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, namely the National Security Council, the Office of National Security Affairs, and the Office of Operations, Administration, and Staff Secretary. They are now grouped into three corresponding records series under the HKMS of PRO, as follows –
HKMS221: Digital Images of Files from the National Security Council, USA (Selected records of OA/ID CF01722 and OA/ID CF01734)
The newly acquired records in this series comprise 31 digitised records from the National Security Council, USA. They cover a wide range of issues, including the 1989 student movement in Beijing; US policy towards Hong Kong and the US-Hong Kong Policy Act; most-favoured-nation tariff agreement with China; the proposed US-China Act and Chinese Student Protection Act; bilateral copyright relations between the US and China; human rights issues in China; arms sales matters; visits of Chinese mayors to the US; human rights matters in Tibet and activities of the Dalai Lama; and various issues about US-Taiwan relations. The covering period of the files in this deposit is 1989 to 1992.
HKMS222: Digital Images of Files from the Office of National Security Affairs, USA (Selected records of OA/ID 30005)
The newly acquired records in this series comprise 16 digitised records from the Office of National Security Affairs, USA. They are documents and files about the visit to Far East by George H. W. Bush, the then Vice President, in 1985. Records include brief book of the visit concerning schedules, transportations, instructions and other arrangements; reports of media reactions to the visit; memorandum of conversations and meeting details; toast statements and speeches; correspondences between the White House and foreign embassies; and schedules and general correspondences. The covering period of the files in this deposit is June to October 1985.
HKMS223: Digital Images of Files from the Office of Operations, Administration, and Staff Secretary, USA (Selected records of OA/ID 20700)
The newly acquired records in this series comprise two digitised records from the Office of Operations, Administration, and Staff Secretary, USA. They cover the visit of George H. W. Bush, the then Vice President of USA, to China and Hong Kong in October 1985. Files include schedules of the visit; brief description of events that the Vice President attended; and a reference material of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, introducing the background and latest developments of Shenzhen in 1984. The covering period of the files in this deposit is 1984 to 1985.
The records acquired from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library of the United States of America
These 43 records are selected from five collections of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, namely 'Laux, David N. Files Collection', 'Sigur, Gaston J. Files Collection', 'Executive Secretariat National Security Council Country File Collection', 'Williams, Richard L. Files Collection', and 'Gunn, Wendell W. Files Collection'. They are now grouped into five corresponding records series under the HKMS of PRO, as follows –
HKMS224: Digital Images of Files from the David N. Laux Files Collection of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, USA
The newly acquired records in this new series comprise 39 digitised records selected from the David N. Laux Files Collection. The records cover a wide range of subjects, including visits of US Vice President George H.W. Bush and US Secretary of Commerce Philip M. Klutznick to Hong Kong; Sino-British negotiations over the future of Hong Kong; US observation of and responses to the negotiations; US review of the latest developments of Hong Kong; trade and investment matters between Hong Kong and the US; currency link between HK dollar and US dollar; and some diplomatic issues between the US and other countries. The covering period of the files in this deposit is 1979 to 1986.
HKMS225: Digital Images of Files from the Gaston J. Sigur Files Collection of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, USA
The newly acquired record in this new series comprises one digitised record selected from the Gaston J. Sigur Files Collection. The record covers some subjects including US Secretary of State George Shultz meeting with Hong Kong Governor; Sino-British negotiations over the future of Hong Kong; US responses to the Sino-British negotiations; commercial relations between the US and Hong Kong; trade and investment issues between the US and China; US-China military ties and arms sales issues etc. The covering period of the file in this deposit is 1980 to 1983.
HKMS226: Digital Images of Files from the Executive Secretariat National Security Council Country File Collection of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, USA
The newly acquired record in this new series comprises one digitised record selected from the Executive Secretariat National Security Council Country File Collection. The record covers some subjects including the visit of Republican National Committee Foreign Policy Counsellor Richard V. Allen to Hong Kong; presidential condolences to C.Y. TUNG family; US observation and analysis of Sino-British negotiations over the future of Hong Kong; and some diplomatic issues between the US and foreign countries. The covering period of the file in this deposit is 1982 to 1983.
HKMS227: Digital Images of Files from the Richard L. Williams Files Collection of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, USA
The newly acquired record in this new series comprises one digitised record selected from the Richard L. Williams Files Collection. The record is about drug problems and anti-drug measures in Hong Kong. The covering period of the file in this deposit is 1979.
HKMS228: Digital Images of Files from the Wendell W. Gunn Files Collection of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, USA
The newly acquired record in this new series comprises one digitised record selected from the Wendell W. Gunn Files Collection. The record is about textile agreement and trade disputes between the US and Hong Kong. The covering period of the file in this deposit is 1983.
Latest Arrangements on Services of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
2 May 2020
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The Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (May 2) that, in view of the latest situation of COVID-19, effective from 4 May 2020, its Public Records Office (PRO) will provide Search Room services (including onsite loan and circulation service) from Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. (excluding public holidays) for members of the public who have made reservations through the Online Catalogue.
In addition, PRO will resume Search Room services on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (excluding public holidays) for members of the public for inspecting holdings which have been reserved through the Online Catalogue.
Requests for Search Room services by up to 15 users will be accepted for each open day on a first-come, first-served basis. Users will be notified of the reservation result by email. Details of the arrangement are accessible at this link.
As part of the infection control measures, while cleansing of public facilities in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will be enhanced continuously, any person entering the Hong Kong Public Records Building should undergo on-the-spot body temperature check arranged by the GRS. Anyone whose body temperature is higher than the prescribed level or who refuses to undergo a body temperature check will not be allowed to enter the Building.
Besides, visitor and public education programmes will continue to be suspended, and the Exhibition Hall of the Hong Kong Public Records Building will be temporarily closed for preparation of the new thematic exhibition until further notice.
The GRS will continue to monitor the situation closely and review the arrangements in a timely manner. Members of the public are advised to visit GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) for the latest updates. For enquiries, please call 2195 7700 during the Public Records Office's opening hours or email at proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Latest Arrangements on Services of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
23 March 2020
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In view of the latest situation of COVID-19, the Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (March 23) that its Public Records Office (PRO) will maintain Search Room services only on Mondays for members of the public who have made reservations for holdings through the online catalogue. Services for all other days of the week will be suspended with immediate effect until further notice.
Reservations for inspecting PRO's holdings can be made through Online Catalogue. Reservation requests by up to 15 users will be accepted for each open day on a first-come, first served basis. Users will be notified of the reservation result by email. Details of the arrangements are accessible at this link.
As part of the infection control measures, while cleansing of public facilities in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will be enhanced, any person entering the Hong Kong Public Records Building should undergo on-the-spot body temperature check arranged by GRS. Anyone whose body temperature is higher than the prescribed level or who refuses to undergo a body temperature check will not be allowed to enter the Building.
Besides, the Exhibition Hall of the Hong Kong Public Records Building will continue to be temporarily closed, and visitor and public education programmes will also be cancelled until further notice.
The GRS will continue to monitor the situation closely and review the arrangements in a timely manner. Members of the public are advised to visit GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) for the latest updates. For enquiries, please email at proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Arrangements on Services of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
2 March 2020
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The Government Records Service (GRS) announced that more public services will be resumed starting from today (March 2). Its Public Records Office Search Room will provide services on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to members of the public who have made reservations for holdings through the online catalogue with immediate effect until further notice.
Members of the public can make reservation for inspecting PRO's holdings through Online Catalogue. Reservation requests by up to 15 users will be accepted per day on a first-come, first served basis. Users will be notified of the reservation result by email. Details of the arrangements are accessible at this link.
As part of the infection control measures, while cleansing of public facilities in the Hong Kong Public Records Building will be enhanced, any person entering the Hong Kong Public Records Building should undergo on-the-spot body temperature check arranged by GRS. Anyone whose body temperature is higher than the prescribed level or who refuses to undergo a body temperature check will not be allowed to enter the Building.
Besides, the Exhibition Hall of the Hong Kong Public Records Building will continue to be temporarily closed, and visitor and public education programmes will also be cancelled until further notice.
For enquiries, please call 2195 7700 during the Public Records Office's opening hours or email at proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
GRS Annual Report 2018
25 February 2020
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The Annual Report 2018 of the Government Records Service has been issued. Please click here to view.
Latest Arrangements on Services of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
21 February 2020
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In line with the special work arrangement announced by the Government on February 20 to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community, Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (February 21) that during the period between February 24 and February 29, Public Records Office (PRO) will maintain the following public services on Wednesday and Friday (February 26 and 28) to members of the public who have made reservations for holdings through the online catalogue:-
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction services
Services for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings will temporarily be unavailable.
Besides, Exhibition Hall in Hong Kong Public Records Building of GRS will be temporarily closed, and visitor and public education programmes will also be cancelled until further notice.
Members of the public can make reservation for inspecting PRO's holdings through Online Catalogue. Details of the arrangements are accessible at this link.
The above measures will be implemented tentatively until February 29 and will be reviewed having regard to the latest situation. Detailed arrangements will be announced in due course. Members of the public are advised to visit GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) for the latest updates. For enquiries, please email at proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Latest Arrangements on Services of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
14 February 2020
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In line with the special work arrangement announced by the Government on February 13 to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community, Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (February 14) that during the period between February 17 and February 22, Public Records Office (PRO) will maintain the following public services on Wednesday (February 19) to members of the public who have made reservations for holdings through the online catalogue:-
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction services
Services for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings will temporarily be unavailable.
Besides, Exhibition Hall in Hong Kong Public Records Building of GRS will be temporarily closed, and visitor and public education programmes will also be cancelled until further notice.
Members of the public can make reservation for inspecting PRO's holdings through its Online Catalogue. Details of the arrangements are accessible at this link.
The above measures will be implemented tentatively until February 22 and will be reviewed having regard to the latest situation. Detailed arrangements will be announced in due course. Members of the public are advised to visit GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) for the latest updates. For enquiries, please email at proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Latest Arrangements on Services of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
8 February 2020
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In line with the special work arrangement announced by the Government on February 7 to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community, Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (February 8) that during the period between February 10 and February 15, Public Records Office (PRO) will maintain the following public services on Wednesday (February 12) to members of the public who have made reservations for holdings through the online catalogue:-
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction services
Services for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings will temporarily be unavailable.
Besides, Exhibition Hall in Hong Kong Public Records Building of GRS will be temporarily closed, and visitor and public education programmes will also be cancelled until further notice.
Members of the public can make reservation for inspecting PRO's holdings through its Online Catalogue. Details of the arrangements are accessible at this link.
The above measures will be implemented tentatively until February 15 and will be reviewed having regard to the latest situation. Detailed arrangements will be announced in due course. Members of the public are advised to visit GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) for the latest updates. For enquiries, please email at proinfo@grs.gov.hk.
Latest Arrangements on Services of Public Records Office of Government Records Service
3 February 2020
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In line with the special work arrangement announced by the Government on January 31 to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community, Government Records Service (GRS) announced today (February 3) that it will maintain the following public services to members of the public by Public Records Office (PRO) who have made reservations for holdings through the online catalogue from February 4 to February 8 as follows:-
1. Loan and circulation service for reserved holdings; and
2. Self-service reproduction services
Services for those who have not made an online reservation for holdings will temporarily be unavailable.
Besides, Exhibition Hall in Hong Kong Public Records Building of GRS will be temporarily closed, and visitor and public education programmes will also be cancelled until further notice.
Starting from today, members of the public can make reservation for inspecting PRO's holdings through Online Catalogue. Details of the arrangements are accessible at this link.
The above measures will be implemented tentatively until February 8 and will be reviewed having regard to the latest situation. Detailed arrangements will be announced in due course. Members of the public are advised to visit GRS website (www.grs.gov.hk) for the latest updates. For further enquiries, please call 2195 7700 during office hours.
Temporary closure of public facilities of Government Records Service (GRS)
28 January 2020
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To tie in with the response level under the "Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance" being raised to Emergency Response Level and avoid people from gathering, public facilities (including Search Room and Exhibition Hall) in Hong Kong Public Records Building of GRS will be temporarily closed from January 29, visitor and public education programmes will also be cancelled until further notice.
Closure of Exhibition Hall
15 January 2020
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To prepare for staging the upcoming thematic exhibition, the Exhibition Hall will be temporarily closed from 22nd January 2020. We regret this service is temporarily unavailable.
Thematic Film Show
31 December 2019
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Public Records Office (PRO), Government Records Service (GRS) preserves a collection of audio-visual materials transferred from the Information Services Department (ISD). They record different aspects of Hong Kong society between 1950s and early 1980s.
PRO has selected some titles and edited them as a thematic film clip of about 30-minute length, entitled "City Administration in Hong Kong”. Through viewing the film clip, the elderly can recall their memory of old Hong Kong and the younger generation can understand the development of city administration in Hong Kong. For details, please see the poster.
The thematic film show will be available for viewing at 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on every Friday (except public holidays) in the Visitors' Common Room on 1st Floor of the Hong Kong Public Records Building. Admission is free.
We can entertain up to 20 audiences for each show. The seats are available for walk-in visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. For enquiries or group appointment, please call us at 2195-7700.
