Alabama Department of Archives and History

Mission:

To tell the story of the people of Alabama by preserving records and artifacts of historical value and promoting a better understanding of Alabama history.

About us:

This museum’s permanent collection chronicles Alabama’s history through exhibits on early Indians, military history and the civil rights era. Its library contains private historical and family genealogical records. A hands-on children's gallery contains exhibits entitled "Grandma's Attic" and "Discovery Boxes.” It is adjacent to the First White House of the Confederacy.The collection and preservation of artifacts ensures that these materials will be maintained for scholarly study and analysis and for general interpretation and education through museum exhibits.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History was established by an act of the legislature on February 27, 1901. According to the enabling legislation, one of the purposes of the department was “...the collection of materials bearing upon the history of the state and of the territory thereinfrom the earliest times.” Additionally, the department was empowered to “...diffuse knowledge inreference to the history and resources of the state.” The collecting of artifacts related to Alabama history serves two functions, both of which were clearly set forth in the early guidelinesand are represented by the current mission statement : To tell the story of the people of Alabama by preserving records and artifacts of historical value and promoting abetter understanding of Alabama history