Beneath the Basel Mission building lies one of the most significant mission archive of Europe. Its collections are unique for their integrity and quality. Be it quarterly reports from the mission field, protocols, personnel files, photographs or maps, these documents are all part of a legacy that is highly relevant, not only for the understanding of the past, but also of the present.

Year after year, roughly 150 researchers from around the world dig deep into the archive's records and generate new knowledge. In addition, the mission receives dozens of requests from partner churches asking for more information on their own history. Numerous inquiries from private individuals also show how many families have ties to the mission.

The archives represent an important research resource in particular for the field of African studies. Furthermore, they are also a significant location factor for the University of Basel's focal area “Africa”.

African history expert Anke Schürer Ries, responsible for the photo archives of Mission 21 and Dr. Veit Arlt, Director of the Center for African Studies, will guide the visitors through the collections in two groups. Using the specific example of the history of Ghana, they will explain how the records are used in research. As always, the event is free of charge; however, the number of participants is limited.