Tag Archives: Southern History Department

Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham pioneers, Birmingham Public Library, Exhibition, family history, Genealogy, Historic Preservation, Research

Does Birmingham Historical Society archive historic photos and memorabilia?

Birmingham Historical Society is often asked if we’d like old family photos, artifacts, or local memorabilia. As much as we would like to archive and even permanently exhibit these historic collections, we do not currently have the space or resources to adequately catalog and preserve them. While we appreciate their importance, we are primarily a research and educational organization. Rather, we encourage individuals to consider donating their items to larger institutions that have the capability to properly care for and display such collections.

There are two places that we recommend: The Southern History Department at the Birmingham Public Library focuses on items regarding Birmingham and Jefferson County. Open to the public by appointment only, the downtown location also maintains a digital library available on demand.

City directories, local newspapers on microfilm, and state and local histories are the Southern History Department’s most used items. Research class projects, books and articles, and the histories of local houses and buildings are also popular searches.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History In Montgomery is about all things Alabama. “Founded in 1901, the Alabama Department of Archives & History is the state’s government-records repository, a special-collections library and research facility, and home to the self-guided Museum of Alabama, the state history museum.” Their vast digital collection features genealogy and family histories, maps & architectural drawings, photos, video, posters and much more.

The Alabama State Museum, as part of the Department of Archives and History, was first housed in the State Capitol. Thanks to the efforts of Thomas & Marie Owen, the current Archives and History building was opened in 1940 and the final wing was completed in 2005. Visit the beautiful building virtually HERE or plan a visit to Montgomery. To donate a personal collection to the state archives, please submit a donation form HERE, or if you have a very specific item, consider one of these history museums.

And thank you for your interest in donating historic materials!

Exterior view of the Alabama Department of Archives and History building with classical architecture and columns, under a clear blue sky.
Interior view of a marble hallway in a historic building, featuring an elevator, decorative walls, and doors in the background.

September Events at

Alabama Department of Archives & History

Construction update on the Museum of Alabama's Children's Gallery, highlighting the transformation of the space with play areas like a limestone cave and an ecology wall for children.
Collage image showcasing personal and military photographs of William Dudley Battle Jr., including a portrait with a family member, an outdoor scene of him in military clothing, and a group of soldiers interacting in a military setting.