The Scientific Archives began forming in 1931 within the Karelian Scientific Research Institute (KSRI), which was later on reorganized into the Karelian Scientific Research Institute of Culture. Both general clerical documents and the scientific materials in all fields of studies carried out by the institute were deposited at the archives. Materials from the expeditions carried out in Karelian territory by staff of Moscow and Leningrad higher educational institutions since 1927 were also stored at the institute.
In 1946 the archives were integrated into the manuscript holding of the library of the Karelian-Finnish Research Base of the USSR Academy of Sciences.

Since 1949 the Scientific Archives have been a separate administrative unit with constantly growing holding. The KarRC of RAS Scientific Archives now comprise 46 record groups and about 60,000 units of storage, including footage and photographic materials (chiefly paper-based). A substantial part of the storage (nearly 38,000 units) is scientific documentation representing the principal fields of science in Karelia and the activities of KarRC of RAS institutions.

Of great interest are the Russian and Finno-Ugric (Karelian, Finnish, Sбmi) folklore collections. They are part of Karelia's heritage, and are appraised the highest in Russia. Also very valuable are the collections of 17th-18th century documents (deeds of purchase, memos, certificates, other documents) portraying the socioeconomic relations, daily life of peasants and Pomors, the history of monasteries.

The personal papers collections throw light upon the public life and activities of the participants of the 20th century revolutionary movement in Finland and Karelia, the Civil War and Great Patriotic War in Karelia, as well as the eminent scientists of Karelia.

In addition to scientific documents, a significant share of the storage is administrative documentation (ordinances, reports, plans, personal files, etc.) of the activities of KSRI and KarRC of RAS over the 80 year period.