Overview on Al Diwan Al Amiri Historical Documents, Museums And Libraries Center

• In 1984, the Historical Documents Center came into existence to fulfill the immense interest of H.H. Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the 13th Amir of Kuwait. Ministerial Resolution No. 14/1984, issued on 7th February 1984, marked the official establishment of the Center.

• In 1996, the library of Al Diwan Al Amiri was integrated into the Center, leading to its new name as Al Diwan Al Amiri Historical Documents & Libraries Center. Subsequently, it took on the additional responsibility of overseeing various museums, including the Al Salam Palace Museum, the Former Health Staff Lodging Museum, and the Mubarak the Great Hall Museum situated at Seif Palace. Due to these expanded roles, the Center was once again renamed and is now known as the Al Diwan Al Amiri Historical Documents, Museums, and Libraries Center.

• The Historical Documents Center of Kuwait holds a prominent position as an institution dedicated to showcasing the rich history of Kuwait and its rulers, as well as the broader history of the Arabian Peninsula. This center plays a crucial role in meticulously researching and investigating the historical roots of the nation. Its significance lies in the vast collection of transcripts and documents concerning Kuwait and the Arabian Peninsula, sourced from various foreign archives. These selected archives house an abundance of invaluable historical materials, shedding light on diverse aspects of life in the region.

The Center’s departments:

• Department of Historical Documents.
• Department of Artifacts and Library Information.
• Department of Research, Translation & Publishing.
• Department of Al Diwan Al Amiri’s Historical Museums.

Core Objectives:

Conservation & Documentation of the History of Kuwait and its Rulers through:

• Restoration and Maintenance of documents to avoid damage.
• Establishment of digital archives for the newly obtained historical documents, images, and films from foreign repositories, ensuring their preservation in electronic format.
• Persisting in the pursuit of scarce publications from various local and international sources.
• Urge citizens to submit their historical documents and images related to Kuwait’s history.
• Facilitating researchers and specialists' access to utilize the resources and services offered by the Center.
• Publishing books, research papers, references, and specialized brochures.
• Electronic classification of books, specialized bibliographies, indexes, and periodicals for easy reacquisition.
• Overseeing the historical museums affiliated with Al Diwan Al Amiri and enhancing their development.
• Engaging in specialized regional and international conferences, symposiums, and gatherings focused on historical documents and library information.

Achievements:

• The Center organized a unique event featuring a screening of The Liberation film which stands out as the most significant production of its genre. In this film, the accounts of the invasion and liberation are narrated by two crucial eyewitnesses: the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and his Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. The Film was produced by Al Diwan Al Amiri Historical Documents, Museums & Libraries Center - August 2023.

• The Center organized a remarkable event called "Salam Symphony - a Journey through History. This extraordinary Symphony showcased a series of orchestral musical pieces led by Dr. Suleiman Ghannam Al-Dikan. It was specially composed for Al Salam Palace Museum, making it the first of its kind to vividly depict the nation's determination and the triumphs of its people, as it delves into the journey of rulers, historical events, and significant landmarks. The event was Organized by Al Diwan Al Amiri Historical Documents, Museums & Libraries Center - February 2023.

• The Historical Documents Center has successfully completed the design, implementation, and oversight of the Al-Salam Palace Museum Project. This exceptional initiative stands as a distinctive undertaking in the region, involving the renovation and transformation of a historic palace into a comprehensive museum that showcases Kuwait's history under a single roof. The museum complex comprises three distinct museums under a single roof:

1. 1. Al-Salam Palace History Museum.
   2. Museum of the Civilizations that inhabited the Land of Kuwait.
   3. Museum of Kuwait’s history through its rulers.

The project spanned seven years, during which the extensive history of Kuwait was meticulously gathered, analyzed, and presented using state-of-the-art technological methods. The publication of the book "Al-Salam Palace Past and Present" marked a significant milestone as the inaugural reference documenting the history of the palace. In April 2019, the Museum was officially opened with the esteemed patronage and presence of H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, the 15th Amir of Kuwait.

• The Center hosted Kuwait’s event to honor Sheikh Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for being chosen as the Global Figure of Culture and Education for 2014-2015 by UNESCO with the esteemed patronage and presence of H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Another UNESCO event was organized by the Center in Paris in November 2015. The Center’s publication of the book "Sheikh Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah 1898-1996" marked a significant milestone as the first reference documenting his remarkable accomplishments in the fields of education and culture.

• In April 2013, under the esteemed patronage and presence of H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, "Al Diwan Al Amiri Hall" was established within the premises of Bait Al-Othman Museum. This Hall proudly showcases a collection of rare historical documents, which were publicly presented for the very first time.

• Conducting an exhibition of historical photographs titled "The Rulers of the Arabian Gulf States in Historic Photos" to commemorate the 30th GCC Summit Conference hosted in Kuwait in December 2009. Additionally, the publication of the book "Rulers of The Arabian Gulf States in Historic Photos" marked a significant achievement, being the first reference book to document the genealogies of ruling families in the Arabian Gulf countries. The preparation of this book was overseen and endorsed by the royal courts in Gulf States.

• In May 2008, a conference for the "Secretariate General for Centers of Documents and Studies of GCC States" was arranged in Kuwait, accompanied by a simultaneous exhibition.