Alabama Department of Archives & History - Montgomery, Alabama

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Alabama Department of Archives & History - Montgomery, Alabama

This stunning Alabama marble building is the oldest state-funded archives in U.S.  Established in 1901 to provide an opportunity to share information on the public needs, to preserve documentation services to the state from the Civil War.  Through the 1890's it was felt that there was a need to honor those who had served the Confederacy.  There were monuments built but still, the need for records was desired so the ADAH held them for future generations to research and learn from about the contributions these brave people contributed to the war. 

When the archive was established the state was over 80 years old and losing some of the documents that would be desired in future years.  It was determined that the ADAH should be the keeper of these records.

Part of the ADAH is the Agricultural Museum for the State of Alabama which is a 100 acre facility dedicated to preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the wiregrass region of Southeast Alabama. The park features an 1890s living history farm, a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, and a turn-of the-century church. The park also includes elevated boardwalks, nature trails, wildlife exhibits, a planetarium, and a picnic area.

Special programs include Spring Farm Day in March; Antique and Collector Car Show in October; Wiregrass Heritage Festival in October; and Victorian Christmas in December.

Confederate Military Unit history files were created by the staff of the Alabama Department of Archives and History to compile as much information as possible on Alabama regiments during the Civil War. Each unit file has different material in it but there are various items which are common to most units.  There are brief regimental or company histories giving one page histories of each unit and lists the commanding officers.

There are original or copies of newspaper clippings about the unit with war time accounts and the stories of what their lives were like during the war.

There are deeds, birth records, lists of executions in Alabama from 1812 - 1965, lists of famous Alabamians and much more at the archives.

If you are interested in doing any research about Alabama or the people you probably should start your search at this location. You are not allowed to bring the following items in the research room: ink or ink pens of any kind; briefcases; purses; backpacks; envelopes; pencil cases; heavy overcoats; 3-ring binders; expandable folders; briefcases; or books and papers which might be confused with items from our collections. You will be asked to lock these items in your locker. These rules are necessary in order to protect the materials in the Archives and ensure that they are available for future generations.

You can bring the following items in the research room: pencils, note cards, loose paper, clear folders and clear pencil cases, and light wraps such as sweaters and shawls.

You may also bring in and use laptop computers, audio cassette recorders, and cameras. Cases must be left in your locker.

Please turn off the ringer on your cell phone while in the research room and refrain from using your cell in the research area. These calls can be very disruptive to other researchers.

You will be asked to allow staff to inspect items upon entering and leaving the document reading room.

Alabama Department of Archives & History
624 Washington Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-0100

Phone: (334) 242-4435

E-Mail:Debbie.Pendleton@archives.alabama.gov

Open 8:30 am-4:30 pm Monday through Saturday.