Archives, Libraries, and Societies

Here a some places in Alabama where you can go to do research.  You will be able to find microfilmed records, reference materials and other genealogical resources.  Please email me if you know of others not listed here.

Henry County Historical Group
9127 County Rd 99
Headland, AL 36345

I don't think The Henry County Historical Group has on site research facilities but they invite you to join them in their efforts to preserve the history of Henry County.  Contact them and ask how you can help.

Abbeville Memorial Library
301 Kirkland Street
Abbeville, Alabama 36310

The Library has History and Genealogy Room but does not have the staff to do lookups.

Southeast Alabama Genealogical and Historical Society
Box 246
Dothan, AL 36302-0246

334-794-8378

Publication: Wiregrass Roots SEAGHS Magazine

Ozark-Dale County Public Library
320 James Street
Ozark, Alabama 36360
(334) 774-5480

Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH)
624 Washington Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36130

Military and state census records are housed at this repository in addition to some copies of county materials on microfilm. In the future, the latest statewide microfilming project will add considerably to this collection. For the present, the library provides family histories and papers, the state's most inclusive collection of Alabama newspapers and books, and a card index to the part of their collection that is cataloged.

NOTE: Send all request for information by the Online Request Form from the main page of the ADAH website.

Alabama Historical Association
P.O. Box 2877
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35486

Founded in 1947, the membership is composed of both lay and professional historians.

Birmingham Public Library
2100 Park Place
Birmingham, Alabama 35203

The Tutwiler Collection located here is the state's most comprehensive genealogical collection. Included are extensive microfilm holdings of U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs records for Alabama, state and U.S. census records, military service and pension records, and Jefferson county newspapers. The nineteenth-century Alabama county records are being acquired from the Genealogical Society of Utah as they are microfilmed.

University of Alabama Library
Special Collections
P.O. Box 870266
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0266

The special collections of the Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library include published and unpublished records documenting the history of the state. Of particular importance is the comprehensive manuscript collection which contains business and personal papers. The map holdings cover the Sanborn insurance maps and copies of many original surveyor's plat maps and field notes.

Mobile Public Library
701 Government Street
Mobile, Alabama 36602

The genealogical department is the starting place for research in the state's colonial Gulf Coast history. The collection has holdings of Mobile newspapers, scattered original records relating to the Panton, Leslie and Company of Pensacola, and the WPA transcripts of pre-statehood land records.

Samford University Library
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35229

The Samford University Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research was begun in 1965. The institute is cosponsored by the Samford University Library and History Department and the National Board for Certification of Genealogists. The training format includes courses in beginning and intermediate research as well as advanced research in southern states. In recent years, the program has expanded to include a course for research in the British Isles held at Samford's London Study Center.

Alabama Genealogical Society
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35229

Alabama Review

There are numerous other genealogical and historical societies scattered across Alabama. The names and addresses of several active organizations are listed with their periodicals. A few other active groups include these:

Birmingham Historical Society
1 Sloss Quarter
Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Historic Chattahoochee Commission
P.O. Box 33
Eufaula, Alabama 36027

Tennessee Valley Historical Society
P.O. Box 149
Sheffield, Alabama 35660

Tuscaloosa Genealogical Society
1439 49th Avenue
East Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35404