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Parking:
Please unload and load your bus passengers at the bus loading area on Bainbridge Street, at the corner of Bainbridge and Washington. Buses are not allowed to park here during the tour. Bus parking is available in the Archives parking lot between Adams Avenue and Alabama Street.

Car passengers may park in the Archives parking lot.
Click here for a map and parking information.

Cancellations/Late arrival:
Please call (334-242-4364) as soon as possible if you must cancel your field trip. Also, please call if your group is running late. Reservations are held for 15 minutes. If you arrive after this time it may not be possible to provide a guide and/or your tour may be shortened.

Upon Arrival:
Bus passengers should enter at the front of the building on Washington Ave. As you walk up the front steps classes may want to stop and take "a walk across Alabama" on the bronze map of Alabama. Car passengers may use the Adams Avenue entrance. Students should remain outside while the teacher signs in at the front reception desk. If you have booked a guided tour, tour guides (called docents) will meet you at the reception desk. The guides may be paid staff members or trained volunteers. Large groups will be split into two or three groups for the tour. If there are a large number of adult chaperones they may be assigned to a separate adult tour group.

Museum Manners:
Before arrival please remind your students and chaperones that your group’s behavior reflects upon your school and community. Guides will review rules and safety procedures, but teachers and chaperones are responsible for their students’ behavior in the Archives and are expected to remain with the students at all times.

Please no pushing, shoving, running, loud talking, rough housing, chewing gum, food, drinks, or ringing cell phones. Bottled water and large backpacks must be left at the reception desk.

Visitors should use care and caution on the stairs, walking on the right side in single file to leave room for other visitors. For their safety, students should walk down each step and refrain from jumping or skipping steps. Please inform your guide at the start of the tour if a student needs to use the elevator.

Please help save our history for future generations. Do not touch statues, paintings, or lean on exhibit cases.

Cameras and photography are welcome, except at the second floor Selma to Montgomery March exhibit.

Inappropriate behavior may result in a group being asked to leave, a phone call to the principal, and revocation of future visiting privileges. (We also call principals about exceptionally well-behaved school groups!)

Restrooms
Current restroom facilities are limited. Whenever possible plan your restroom break before or after your visit to the Archives. If necessary and if time permits, students may visit the restrooms in small groups before or after the tour.

Lunch and snacks
Food and drink are prohibited in the Archives. We encourage school groups to picnic on the lawn, weather and space permitting. Please be sure to remove and properly dispose of all trash. Several fast food restaurants are located nearby on Madison Avenue, between Union Street and Bainbridge Street. See map for location.

Gift Shop
The Friends of the Archives operates a gift shop staffed by volunteers. The gift shop sells Alabama history related souvenirs. Many items appeal to children and cost less than $10. Every effort is made to keep the gift shop open during peak touring times. Please notify the Archives Tour Coordinator (334-242-4364 or sheila.green@archives.alabama.gov) prior to your visit if your class would like to shop at the gift shop.