THL holds the archival materials of its predecessor authorities.
National Public Health Institute (1911–31 December 2008)
The history of the National Public Health Institute (Kansanterveyslaitos, KTL) began in 1911 as a temporary state serum laboratory operating under the National Board of Health. KTL was established in 1982, and its operations ended on 31 December 2008. THL holds the following archives:
the archives of the Temporary State Serum Laboratory (1911–1914)
the archives of the State Serum Laboratory (1915–1946)
the archives of the State Serum Institute (1947–1969)
the archives of the National Public Health Laboratory (1970–1981), and
the archives of the National Public Health Institute (1982–2008)
Stakes (1 December 1992–31 December 2008)
The National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (Stakes) began its operations on 1 December 1992 and ended them on 31 December 2008. The documents of Stakes from its entire period of operation have been archived.
National Authority for Medicolegal Affairs and Social Affairs and Health
(Sosiaali- ja terveyshallitus, STH) (1 March 1991–1 December 1992)
The National Authority for Medicolegal Affairs and Social Affairs and Health (STH) was established on 1 March 1991 to replace the National Board of Health and the National Board of Social Welfare. The organisation was restructured as early as 1 December 1992, when the agency was renamed the National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (Stakes) to correspond to its new duties.
Some of STH’s responsibilities were transferred to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, some in 1992 to the National Authority for Medicolegal Affairs (from 1 January 2009, Valvira), and some in 1993 to the National Agency for Medicines. THL holds archived documents of the National Authority for Medicolegal Affairs and Social Affairs and Health covering its entire period of operation.
National Board of Health (1811–1991)
The National Board of Health began its operations in 1811. It was abolished as part of the administrative reform of 1991. THL holds its documents from the 1950s until its abolition. Most of the documents held by THL are subject to fixed-term retention. Documents preserved permanently should primarily be requested from the National Archives of Finland.
National Board of Social Welfare and Ministry of Social Affairs
The National Board of Social Welfare was established in 1917 and abolished in 1923. After its abolition, its duties were carried out by the Ministry of Social Affairs (1917–1967). A new National Board of Social Welfare was established in 1968 and abolished in 1991.
The archival materials of the National Board of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Social Affairs have been transferred to the National Archives of Finland. Documents should be requested from the National Archives.