Introduction
The Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) serves as the state’s principal repository for historical materials, safeguarding Alabama’s rich heritage for future generations. Established in 1901, the ADAH is the nation’s first state-funded historical agency, dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the stories of Alabama’s people. (archives.alabama.gov)
Mission and Services
The ADAH’s mission encompasses several key areas:
- Preservation: Safeguarding official government records, private papers, photographs, and recordings.
- Education: Offering programs, resources, and training for educators, students, researchers, and history enthusiasts.
- Public Access: Providing access to historical materials through its Museum of Alabama and research facilities.
- Access to a vast collection of documents and records.
- Assistance from knowledgeable staff.
- Research consultations and requests.
- Response Deadlines: Public records officers must acknowledge receipt of simple requests within 10 days and provide a substantive response within 15 additional business days. (apnews.com)
- Executive Order: In January 2023, Governor Kay Ivey issued an executive order mandating new procedures for handling public records requests by executive-branch agencies, aiming to improve transparency. (apnews.com)
- Local Government Records Commission: Determines which local records should be permanently preserved and which may be disposed of. (archives.alabama.gov)
- Deposit Agreements: Assists counties and municipalities in finding suitable off-site repositories for permanent records.
- Becky Hebert: 334-353-5039, becky.hebert@archives.alabama.gov
- Charles Busby: 334-353-1103, charles.busby@archives.alabama.gov
- Devon Henschel: 334-353-4693, devon.henschel@archives.alabama.gov
- Rebecca Jackson: 334-353-4615, rebecca.jackson@archives.alabama.gov
- Established: 1901
- Location: 624 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36130
- Museum Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Research Room Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Public Records Response Deadlines: Acknowledge within 10 days; substantive response within 15 additional business days.
- Alabama Department of Archives and History, 2023. (archives.alabama.gov)
- Alabama Department of Archives and History, 2023. (archives.alabama.gov)
- Alabama Department of Archives and History, 2023. (archives.alabama.gov)
- Alabama Secretary of State, 2023. (sos.alabama.gov)
- Associated Press, 2024. (apnews.com)
- Associated Press, 2023. (apnews.com)
- Alabama Department of Archives and History, 2023. (archives.alabama.gov)
- Alabama Department of Archives and History, 2023. (archives.alabama.gov)
Museum of Alabama
Located within the ADAH, the Museum of Alabama offers an immersive experience into the state’s history. Exhibits cover various periods and themes, from prehistoric times to the civil rights movement. Admission is free, and the museum is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (archives.alabama.gov)
Research Facilities
The ADAH’s Research Room is a valuable resource for those seeking historical and genealogical information. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Research Room offers:
For research inquiries, contact the Research Room at 334-242-4435 or reference.archives@archives.alabama.gov. (archives.alabama.gov)
Public Records and Access
Alabama’s public records law grants citizens the right to inspect and copy public writings, with certain exemptions. Recent legislative changes have enhanced transparency:
For public records requests, citizens can complete the Public Records Request Form available on the Alabama Secretary of State’s website. (sos.alabama.gov)
Local Government Records
The ADAH collaborates with local agencies to manage and preserve records:
For assistance with local government records, contact:
Contact Information
The ADAH is located at:
624 Washington Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36130
For general inquiries, call 334-242-4435 or email reference.archives@archives.alabama.gov. For tour information, call 334-242-4364 or email tours.archives@archives.alabama.gov. (archives.alabama.gov)
Conclusion
The Alabama Department of Archives and History plays a crucial role in preserving the state’s history, offering resources and services to the public. By engaging with the ADAH, individuals can explore Alabama’s past and contribute to its ongoing preservation.