La Source Foundation Archives | History of Care

Archives of international significance

The archives of the La Source Foundation constitute a collection of documents of international significance, which have been preserved without interruption since 1859. They trace the history of theLa Source Institute and University of Health Sciences, the La Source Clinic, and the development and evolution of nursing.

They cover the entire institutional and professional history of La Source in Lausanne. The collection comprises over 300 linear metres of documents and various collections.

Exceptional historical collections

The archives include a wealth of printed material (books, journals, brochures, press cuttings), as well as digital archives, not to mention a variety of collections (illustrations, artefacts, works of art, uniforms and medals). This rare collection documents the practices, teaching, organisation and evolution of nursing over nearly 170 years.

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If you are interested, you may consult the archives by appointment only.

Please note that certain collections are subject to specific consultation conditions due to their fragility.

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Our collections

Archival collections

The archives contain essential sources on the history and development of the institution. They include, in particular, annual reports, minutes of meetings of the governing bodies, the journal *La Source*, as well as correspondence, agreements and documents chronicling the development of the School, the Foundation and the associated healthcare facilities.

Tableau d'anatomie de la tête déposé aux Archives de la Fondation La Source

Extensive collections of illustrations

The collection of visual material traces the history of the institution since 1860 through photographs, posters, educational materials and anatomical charts. In particular, it brings together works by renowned Lausanne-based photographers, such as Messaz, de Jongh and Izard, as well as contributions from amateur photographers. An audiovisual collection complements this body of work with testimonies, institutional recordings and video material.

Ampoule de verre soufflé avec solution glucosée hypertonique à 300 pour mille des Laboratoires Leclerc, Paris. Solution colorée avec le temps, étiquette d'origine. Producteur : Aubry A. (c)Archives Fondation La Source

Collections of objects

The collections document the evolution of nursing, teaching and institutional life at the School and the Clinic. In particular, they include a collection of approximately 120 medals, 450 uniforms and more than 600 medical and nursing instruments. The Foundation’s artworks enrich this collection by reflecting the institution’s visual and cultural identity.

Rules for using the archives

For any enquiries, please read the rules for consulting the archives and contact the archivist, who will be able to assist you with your enquiry.

View the rules for consulting the archives >

Where these archive documents are used in a publication of any kind, authors undertake to provide, of their own accord and free of charge, a copy of their work to the La Source Foundation Archives, or to authorise photocopying in the event of a limited print run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the archives intended for?

The archives are aimed at a wide audience: students, teachers, researchers, healthcare and social care professionals, as well as anyone interested in the history of nursing and that of La Source.

Is there no charge for accessing the archives?

Access to the archives is free of charge.

However, there is a charge for extensive research that must be carried out by the archivist herself.

E-mail: r.hadzi@ecolelasource.ch

Phone: +41 21 556 43 30

Building: Vinet

Office: 133

E-mail: a.pieracci@ecolelasource.ch

Phone: +41 21 556 42 64

Building: Vinet

Office: 133

Archives of the La Source Foundation

Archives of international significance

Exceptional historical collections

Contact us