alabama department of archives and history

This museum starts out with the real history about Alabama, a whole room dedicated to the Indians that were already here and the way they lived. Across the hall there was a military museum that had uniforms and other military paraphernalia since WWI that was used by Alabama veterans. Then there was a room dedicated to the photography taken during the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Civil Rights march. This will really be worth your time

Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-4:30pmFree AdmissionThere is metered parking in the front but around back, across the street there is a small lot with free parking. Upstairs there is a great museum with a lot of artifacts to look at. We were told most people take about 45 minutes to go through it. We were there just over 1 hr. Information from the Creek Indians to agriculture to civil rights happenings. Very interesting. There is even a "hands on" room for children to dress up or play with things from old typewriters to pay phones!

We spent the afternoon learning about Alabama history on the second floor of this magnificent building. I loved that it started its history regarding the geology and geography, through the native americans to present day.

It is worth the time to visit this museum as you will learn a lot about Alabama history. The displays are excellent and the price is right, free! It is across the street from the capitol and next to the first White House of the Confederacy.

The AL Archives is the oldest state archives in the nation. It offers a one-of-a-kind trip through the past. I loved seeing the clothes that people wore throughout history. The Archives offers weekly (maybe monthly) presentations at lunch time where participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch. In conjunction with AL Public Television, the Archives held a preview of Season 5 of Downton Abbey along with a fashion show of clothes from the '20s. It's latest exhibit, Alabama Voices, is truly not to be missed. Can't say enough good things about this place!

The Alabama Voices exhibit is an in-depth look at the development of Alabama over the centuries. There is lots to read and memorabilia to enhance the written dialogue. It covers 10,000 square feet in the Archives Building (which is interesting with Sylacauga and Tennessee marble interiors and floors. We spent an hour plus and didn't even read everything. Museum is free and open M-Sat. 8:30-4:30.

The employees at the Archives were all very pleasant, welcoming, and helpful. The facility is beautiful and well-maintained; materials are easily accessible.

Alabama has been blessed with a rich history that has been well captured by our Archives and history. Ed Bridges took Milo Howard's work to unbelievable levels. From Indians,civil rights and to space Alabama is a leader. As. we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery march our nations movement and healing started in Montgomery. Capture this rich healing history at the Archives.

It is definitely the place to visit to learn about Alabama. There are two floors in the building that show you the history of Alabama from those early years when America was just discovered all the way to our times. If you like history, you can easily spend a couple of hours there learning about the state; however, if you are not into history, you can still walk through the various rooms, quickly check all the exhibits, and I can almost guarantee that you will not be disappointed. The building itself is also beautiful, and the builders used a lot of local white marble in its interior decorations. I spent there more than an hour, and I am glad I did.There is a free parking lot for the visitors, and the entrance is on Adams Ave right across from the building (between S Union & S Bainbridge streets).

This had two floors of great things historic to Alabama. I found out later there is a free parking lot on the back side of the War Memorial Building that the museum is in.

One of the best museum we have ever seen and we have seen several. It encompasses the Creek nation, the trade with Britain, France & Spain, enslaved Africans (1721), Civil War (1861-1865), history of cotton, religion, the cost of war, end of slavery (1865) and so much more.The collection of artifacts from Creek water jars, cooking jars, burial vessels, beads and tools to civil war military guns, swords, ammunition & uniforms is incredibly well displayed. In addition, there are beautiful murals, interesting videos, well appointed displays and dioramas, and a lot more. It is quite educational to spend a few hours in that museum.

This museum is located in a large white building facing the capitol with parking in back across the street for visitors. Plan on spending at least two or three hours here as it is filled with history with most exhibits being on the second floor. To begin with, there are two rooms devoted to the native people of the region. Inside are arrowheads, pottery, and other artifacts which have been unearthed by archaeologists. Inside the huge room at the end of the hall are numerous exhibits depicting the history of the area. It begins with the native people followed by the Europeans and the eventual enslavement of African people. There is a section devoted to the Civil War and another one covering WWII. This museum has something for everyone.There are muskets, rifles, shotguns, revolvers, and cannon. The place has cannonballs, grenades, and other projectiles. There are military uniforms, both Civil War and WWII, and military equipment. There are exhibits depicting a farmer with horses and pigs and a kitchen from the 1920s. Old black and white photos are on display and the placards are very descriptive and easy to follow. If you like history, you'll love this museum as there is so much of it in here.

If you're looking for Alabama's history all in one stop, this is where you need to come! I stopped in to see the new exhibit, Alabama Voices and it was AMAZING!! You go in and start from Alabama's earliest days and finish in today. The artifacts are displayed beautifully and the short informative videos add a nice touch. My favorite part was being able to listen to interviews and narratives from people who lived through the different eras. If you have children, they will certainly enjoy the interactive aspects. Grandma's attic is also great for the little ones. The research room was huge and I plan to go back to start tracing my family's history!

Well its free, incredibly well laid out with special exhibits and a permanent exhibition of Alabama life and its history. This runs from native American culture through the civil war period to the present day. Original items, some are very hands on, superb video presentations and diorama.Be warned, its fascinating, so may take you three hours or more to really absorb what is on display and its a bit cold, thanks to the air conditioning. But we really enjoyed our visit.

My brother-in-law and I attended one of the genealogy seminares there in August and we both were well pleased with the content and presentation. We learned a lot and found there are some really nice people to help you with your research. They can even assist you with research from other states.