A model of the ship Express Samina which sunk off the coast of Paros island on 26 September 2000 after hitting underwater rocks, that was used in the trial that followed.
The General State Archives of Greece (GAK) provide a treasure trove for genealogical and historical research. Recently digitized records reveal family trees and landmark events, assisting in inheritance disputes and micro-historical inquiries.
GAK’s database spans over 55 million documents, enabling access through the Archeiomnimon search tool. “The archives’ wealth serves institutions and individuals alike,” said Dimitris P. Sotiropoulos, head of GAK and professor of modern history.
Highlights include records from the Samina Express shipwreck trial and documents reinforcing Greece’s claim for the Parthenon Marbles’ return.
Plans are under way to incorporate artificial intelligence, further streamlining public access. With 58 nationwide branches, GAK aims to offer invaluable insights into family roots, especially in areas with detailed older registries.
Minister of Education Kyriakos Pierrakakis lauded the archives after a colleague traced their genealogy back to 1875, reflecting the potential for GAK to deepen both personal and national narratives.
