Primary Source Research
Locating and examining records from authentic repositories.
Institute for Documentary Research
Primary sources.
Connected evidence.
Research built to last.
The Institute for Documentary Research conducts intensive documentary research across archives, libraries, museums, government repositories and historical collections. We locate, organize and connect dispersed records to create traceable research, structured data and professional research outputs.
Primary Sources First
We begin with the record, not assumptions.
Provenance Matters
Every source is verified, cited and traceable.
Research for Impact
Our work informs institutions, communities and decision-makers.
Built for Longevity
We build research that endures and can be used.
About IDR
A permanent research capacity for the questions that matter.
IDR brings together methods from documentary research, historical study, chronology, mapping and data organization to recover reliable evidence and build clear, traceable research outputs.
We work with primary sources across archives, libraries, museums, government repositories and private collections to connect dispersed records and strengthen understanding through verifiable evidence.
Our Mission
Recover. Organize. Verify. Connect. Analyze.
Our mission is to make established documentary evidence more usable for serious research by connecting records that are often separated by archive, date, jurisdiction, institution or format.
IDR develops source-led research and durable documentary systems that strengthen the evidentiary base available to professional, institutional and public research.
What We Do
Building clarity from documentary evidence.
Documentary Reconstruction
Connecting fragmented records into clear historical narratives.
Chronologies & Mapping
Developing accurate timelines and spatial analysis to contextualize events.
Data & Information Organization
Structuring data, catalogs and databases for rigorous and reliable research.
Research Outputs
Producing clear, well-supported reports, studies and reference materials.
Our Commitment
Accuracy. Integrity. Provenance.
Every conclusion is traceable to the source.
Research Reach
Canadian platform. International documentary scope.
Documentary history crosses borders. Research may require records from provincial, territorial, federal or international repositories. IDR is designed to follow the evidence wherever the relevant documentary record is held.
Canadian PlatformResearch with a national foundation.
International ScopeWorking across borders and documentary traditions.
Multi-jurisdictional ExperienceEvidence across time periods and legal systems.
Accessible ResultsClear, structured outputs that can be put to use.
Contact
Discuss a documentary research need with IDR.
For institutional inquiries, research discussions and general information, contact the Institute for Documentary Research.
Location
Canada
Canada
