Organization of archival institutions in Bukovyna during 1918-1940

The purpose of the research is to trace the process of the formation of archival institutions in the historical territory of Bukovyna and to explore the main directions of their activities in accordance with the provisions and by-laws of the Kingdom of Romania during 1918-1940. The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism and scientific objectivity. The theoretical and methodological framework for achieving the defined goal includes general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as a number of special methods, namely: comparative, chronological, cultural-historical, and document analysis. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that, for the first time, based on little-known archival documents, many of which have not yet been introduced into scientific circulation, a comprehensive study of the organization of archival institutions in Bukovyna during the period of the region’s inclusion in the Kingdom of Romania has been conducted. Particular attention is paid by the author to the issue of establishing the State Archives Commission in Chernivtsi and attempts to transform it into the Regional Directorate of Archives in Chernivtsi. Conclusions. Thus, based on the comprehensive study of the outlined issue, it can be stated that during 1918-1940, measures were taken to organize the activities of state archival institutions in Bukovyna. After the establishment of the Commission of State Archives of Bukovyna (later renamed the Commission of State Archives of Chernivtsi), systematic work was carried out to preserve existing documents in the archives as well as to supplement the archives with new materials. The aforementioned commission was meant to serve as the foundation for creating the Regional Directorate of Archives in Chernivtsi, as prescribed by Romanian legislation. However, as the existing documents show, the creation of this archival directorate in Chernivtsi could not be realized by 1940 due to a lack of funding.