Alabama Department of Archives and History

05/28/2026

Can't wait to kick off our summer library programs next week! Each summer, in addition to coordinating Alabama History Institutes, our education staff host FREE interactive programs for children ages 4-12 at participating public libraries across Alabama.

This year’s theme, Lasting Impressions: Fossils & Artifacts, introduces students to the fields of archaeology and paleontology. Participants can learn about the difference between fossils and artifacts, read from Yu-ri Kim's book "Fossils Tell Stories", and even try a hands-on excavation activity!

See the locations list in the comments to find a program at a library near you!

05/26/2026

There's still time to complete the Museum-Goers Survey!

We are taking part in a national survey of museum visitors to help us understand how we can make the Museum of Alabama more meaningful for you and our community.
The survey, sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums, takes about 9 minutes to complete and will provide us with valuable information about our visitors' experiences in the Museum of Alabama.

Whether you've visited the Museum since our renovations last year, or haven't been in a few years, would you take a few minutes to share your thoughts at the link in the comments?

2026 Annual Survey of Museum-Goers.

05/23/2026

As we observe the first Memorial Day weekend since our "Alabama Military Stories" gallery opened, we remember the acts of service, the gifts of community, and the enduring legacy of courage, honor, and sacrifice found in our state's military history. We are open today (Saturday, May 23), so come explore "Alabama Military Stories" and other galleries in the Museum of Alabama.

We will be closed Monday, May 25, for the state and federal holiday observing Memorial Day.

05/22/2026

Due to inclement weather, tonight's Montgomery Symphony Orchestra's Jubilee Pops concert has been cancelled. Already looking forward to next year! 🇺🇸

Due to inclement weather, tonight’s Jubilee Pops has been cancelled.

We are truly disappointed that we won’t be able to gather and celebrate together this evening. The safety of our patrons, musicians, volunteers, and staff remains our top priority, and this decision was made with everyone’s well-being in mind.

Thank you for your continued support of Montgomery Symphony Orchestra throughout our 49th Season. We sincerely appreciate the enthusiasm and excitement surrounding this event, and we look forward to welcoming you back for our 50th Anniversary Season very soon.

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

Celebrate the start of summer with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra at the Jubilee Pops Concert on May 22 at 7:00pm!

This FREE family-friendly evening features a mix of patriotic favorites, film music, and crowd-pleasing classics. Food vendors will be on-site, and picnics are welcome. Come early and find your spot on the Archives’ lawn with a blanket or lawn chair.

Reminder: the Alabama Department of Archives and History will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.

05/18/2026

Join us this Thursday (5/21) at 12:00pm for our May Food for Thought lecture, "Family Lore, Local History, and True Crime on Sand Mountain."

Author Lesa Carnes Shaul will present on her book Midnight Cry: A Shooting on Sand Mountain, which examines the story of a 1951 North Alabama murder through family lore, local history, and archival research.

The program will be held in person in the ADAH's Joseph M. Farley Alabama Power Auditorium and online on Facebook and YouTube. Admission is FREE.

05/13/2026

This recently processed notebook is part of the Finch, Spencer, and Smith family papers, a large collection spanning multiple generations of three families. The book belonged to William Spencer Jr. and contains his military course notes from anti-aircraft school in France during Word War I.

A native of Gallion, Spencer graduated from Marion Military Institute in 1908 and earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama. He completed a degree at Harvard Law School in 1913 and established a legal practice in Birmingham. Spencer compiled this notebook near the beginning of his service in the U.S. Army, a career that would span two decades and two World Wars.

After his military service, Spencer contributed to his community in Birmingham and beyond through service in organizations such as the Birmingham Botanical Society, the Alabama State Fair Authority, and the board of Children’s Hospital. Among many other affiliations, Spencer was a founding figure of the Birmingham Museum of Art and served as president of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce in the early 1960s.

05/11/2026

The sun is shining, and summer is approaching! There are so many ways to enjoy the great weather in Alabama, such as fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, camping, and biking.

This photograph from our Digital Collections features a boy holding his catch at Gulf State Park in Baldwin County, c. 1930s.

05/08/2026

As visitors enter The Land of Alabama gallery, they may notice this beautiful color-coded map showing the physical geography of our state. The gallery introduces Alabama's six physiographic regions and the natural resources that helped shape our state's history.

There is something for everyone in the Museum of Alabama! We are open Monday through SATURDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm.