Records of associations and political parties illustrate very interestingly social and political life over the centuries. The State Archive in Gdańsk possesses a rich collection of records of associations,, mainly professional and social organizations of craftsmen and merchants in Gdansk and Elblag, merchants corporations, societies and associations supporting arts and sciences, organizations representing the interests of particular professions, religious associations and various foundations dating from XIV century to 1945.
The holdings of the State Archive in Gdańsk show the activities of trade unions and political parties before 1945, e.g. NSDAP, and after 1945, as Polish Socialist Party, Polish Workers Party and Polish United Workers Party. This abundant collection presents the structure, methods and influence of these parties on almost every aspect of life in Poland.