Alabama Department of Archives and History
Alabama lawmaker files bill to give state officials more control of Archives’ governance
An Alabama state senator has filed a bill that would give state officials and legislative leaders the power to appoint the Alabama Department of Archives and History’s Board of Trustees. SB5, sponsored by Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, would change Archives’ board from a self-perpetuating entity, subject to confirmations by the Senate, to one where members […]
Amid political attacks, Archives board chair says department is for ‘all Alabamians’
It’s not often a state archive can predict an exciting year ahead. But it’s not often that a state archive becomes a political target. And so the Alabama Department of Archives and History is inviting anyone with concerns about their institution to speak with them. “It’s going to probably be a really interesting regular legislative […]
How the Alabama Department of Archives and History plans to spend $5 million
The $5 million that the Alabama Department of Archives and History got in a supplemental appropriation this spring – which faced threats in the special session last week – will allow the Department to expand and create new projects, including those for their “youngest visitors.” The money will go toward expansion and new programming, including […]
Bill slashing Alabama Archives funding over LGBTQ History program dead for session
A bill that would have removed $5 million from the Alabama Department of History and Archives died in committee during last week’s special session. The bill, SB 1, sponsored by Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Daphne, would have moved the $5 million from the Archives budget to the University of South Alabama in retaliation for the department […]
Alabama politicians want you to live in a political ad
Imagine living your life in a political ad. Not the sort of spot where the world is monochrome; the air is filled with ominous bass notes and a guttural voice accuses you of kicking puppies or flipping off military widows. No, the kind where the candidate tries to come across as a normal Alabamian. You’d […]
LGBTQ history program part of recommitment effort, says Archives and History
Alabama Department of Archives and History Director Steve Murray said Monday that the department is working to not repeat their early mistakes of excluding the stories of marginalized people. “As a taxpayer-supported institution, it is appropriate for us to provide opportunities for the public to learn about and discuss topics that have some connection to […]
“Intentionally erased:” Invisible Histories Project cofounder speaks on Alabama’s LGBTQ+ history
The challenge in documenting LGBTQ+ history in the South, said Maigen Sullivan, co-founder of the Invisible Histories Project, is that much of it has been purposely destroyed. In her work with the project, a nonprofit based out of Birmingham, she once went to archive items of a recently deceased man who was gay. But a […]