Since 1901, the Alabama Department of Archives & History (ADAH) has been the home of Alabama history. The first state-funded historical agency in the United States, the ADAH was established to collect and preserve the historical materials of the people of Alabama, and to use that material in sharing their stories. For nearly 125 years, the ADAH has grown both in its capacity and its approach to accomplish that mission.

Located in Montgomery, the ADAH serves our state as the principal repository for materials ranging from official government records to papers, photographs, and recordings created in the private sector. It also serves as an educational center by offering programs, resources, and training for educators, government officials, students, researchers, and history enthusiasts. The immersive learning environment of the ADAH’s Museum of Alabama provides a welcoming and engaging space for visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore Alabama’s story.