The Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH), established in 1901, is the nation’s first state-funded, independent archives agency. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, the ADAH serves as the principal repository for materials ranging from official government records to private papers, photographs, and recordings. Its mission is to collect, preserve, and share the story of Alabama and its people. (archives.alabama.gov)
Mission and Services
The ADAH’s primary objectives include:
- Collecting and Preserving Records: Safeguarding documents and artifacts that chronicle Alabama’s history.
- Educational Outreach: Offering programs, resources, and training for educators, students, researchers, and history enthusiasts.
- Public Access: Providing access to a vast array of materials for research and educational purposes.
- Address: 624 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36130
- Phone: (334) 242-4435
- Website: www.archives.alabama.gov
- Address: Gunter Park, Montgomery, Alabama
- Phone: (334) 277-9898
- Phone: (334) 242-4452
Museum of Alabama
The Museum of Alabama, housed within the ADAH, offers an immersive experience into the state’s history. The “Alabama Voices” exhibit, for instance, covers the span of Alabama history from the 1700s to the beginning of the twenty-first century, featuring over a thousand artifacts and hundreds of photographs and documents. (aaslh.org)
Accessing Resources
The ADAH is open Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Research Room is available Tuesday to Saturday during these hours. Admission is free, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. (archives.alabama.gov)
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State Records Center
For state agencies needing to store temporary records, the ADAH offers the State Records Center. This service provides storage and reference services for state agency records that have been approved by the State Records Commission. The center charges seventy-six cents per box per month for storage. (archives.alabama.gov)
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State Records Commission
The State Records Commission is responsible for determining which state records should be permanently preserved and which may be destroyed. State law mandates that no state officer or agency head may dispose of state records without first obtaining approval from the Commission. (museum.alabama.gov)
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Conclusion
The Alabama Department of Archives and History plays a crucial role in preserving the state’s rich history. By offering access to a vast array of resources and providing services to state agencies, the ADAH ensures that Alabama’s past is safeguarded for future generations.