While You're Here

When You Arrive

Limited free parking is available in the parking lot across from the Adams Avenue entrance to the Archives, designated as “Reserved Parking for Alabama Department of Archives and History.” Enter the parking lot from Adams Avenue or Alabama Street. There are disabled parking spaces in the parking lot and on the street on Adams Avenue. Please note that the city’s disabled parking spaces outside the parking lot have a 2-hour time limit. See our Hours & Location page for more information.

You’ll be asked to put bags or other prohibited items in a locker outside of the Research Room. Lockers are available at a refundable cost of $0.25, and a volunteer or staff member will be glad to assist you. If you’re visiting for the first time, you will need take your driver’s license or photo ID into the Research Room, and you may also want to bring money for copies. See our Before You Arrive page for more information about allowed and prohibited items.

Sign in for each visit at the computer beside the desk in the Research Room lobby. You will need to do this once for each visit to the Research Room.

Enter the Research Room and ask to sign up for a researcher card. Bring a driver’s license or state-issued photo ID to verify your identity. Staff will then provide a permanent researcher card for you to keep.

Staff will show you how to request materials for use and are happy to assist you in determining your best research strategy.

Copy Services

A self-service photocopy machine is available in the Research Room. Copies are $0.10 per page.

Public access computers are available in the Research Room. Copies made from computers are $0.10 per page.

Self-service microfilm printers and digital microfilm scanners are available in the Research Room. Copies are $0.25 per page.

Original documents must be photocopied by staff. Copies are $0.25 per page. Some items cannot be copied due to size or condition of the record. Reference staff will determine if records can be copied.

Flash drives are available for purchase in the Research Room for $8 each.

Payment Options

Checks and money orders should be payable to ADAH. Please include a driver’s license number on personal checks. (A fee of $30 may be assessed for returned checks.)

Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are also accepted.

High-Resolution Reproductions

For most ADAH records, high-resolution digital files or reproductions can be purchased by submitting a Digitization & Reproduction Order Form. Visit our digital collections to browse material that has already been digitized, and see our Digitization & Reproduction Orders page for more information.

Citing or Publishing Materials from ADAH Collections

Researchers may quote from, cite from, and/or publish materials from the collections of the Alabama Department of Archives and History in agreement with applicable copyright laws.

To use materials from ADAH in a publication, exhibit, film, video, website, or project, submit a Use Agreement Form. See our Digitization & Reproduction Orders page for more information.

Facilities

The ADAH facilities are monitored by a closed-circuit camera system and security personnel.

Restrooms are located behind the lobby desk.

A water fountain is located in front of the men’s restroom to the right of the lobby desk.

Vending machines and a microwave are available in the Hale Room behind the lobby desk.

Our facility is wheelchair accessible. This includes the Research Room locker area, microfilm readers, and tables.

WiFi is available in the Research Room. No password is required.

ADAH is a smoke-free facility.


If you have any questions, contact us at 334-353-4648 or reference.archives@archives.alabama.gov.