· Home
· Investor Tour Loma Linda- Bisbee, AZ
· Welcome
· How It Works
· SEE FEATURED PROPERTIES
· SEARCH HOMES
· Open Houses
· LIST MY PROPERTY
· Austin, TX Historic Homes Specialist
· Ky Trust Historic Mud Brick House
· Commercial Listings
· Dismantled Antique Buildings For Sale
· Old Barns-Restoration-Salvage
· Local Schools
· Historic American Architectural Styles
· Historic Designation
· Sec. of Interior Standards Historic Rehab
· State Historic Preservation Offices
· Historic Preservation Tax Incentives
· Restoration Resources
· Preservation Materials
· Preservation Publications
· Heritage Tourism
· National Register of Historic Places
· Historic Sites and Events
· Historic Parks & Monuments
· History Museums
· Museums By State
· State Archives
· History & Archaeology Links
· House History Research
· Notorious Homes
· BOOK A MANSION
· Local Weather
· Link Directory
· Calculators
· Mortgage Glossary
· Real Estate Glossary
· Historic Real Estate Training
· Moving Center
· Relocation
· Relocalización
· ¡Haga una Pregunta!
· Glosario Hipotecario
· Glosario de Bienes Raíces
· Send Link to a Friend
· Link to Me
· Sign My Guest Book
· Daily Cartoon
· Manage Listing
· HistoricHomesDirectory Forum
· Terms of Use
· Contact
  		 
   
Username:
Password:
 

  Forgot Password?
 

 

State Archives

Dr. Thomas McAdory Owen

1866-1920

Archivist, Lawyer, Leader

Created the United States

 State Archive System

 

Alabama created the first state department of archives and history in the United States. Founded in 1901, the Alabama Department of Archives and History became a model for many other states.

The movement to create the Alabama Archives represented a convergence of three cultural interests. The progressive movement, then spreading across the United States reflected an interest in improved education which would foster a better informed and more civic-minded citizenry. Progressives were also interested in better information for public officials to help them in decisions on public policy issues.

The second interest was the desire to preserve the material documenting service to the state in the Civil War. Through the 1890s, the feeling of a need to honor those who had served the Confederacy grew increasingly stronger. This memorial movement lead to the establishment of patriotic societies, the erection of monuments, and the creation of the Department of Archives and History as an institution in which key documents and artifacts could be preserved. Over the years since 1901, this mission has broadened. The department now seeks to ensure the preservation of records and artifacts that can tell the story of all people who have contributed to the building of the state.

The third interest in the creation of the department was the need to preserve the materials necessary for understanding our history. By the turn of the twentieth century, the state of Alabama was over eighty years old and had accumulated significant bodies of historical material. Yet, there was no formal system for preserving that material and making it available for research. Also, with the growth of schools, the increase in the number of professional historians, and the professionalization of historical training and education came an expanded recognition of need for a facility where this historical material could be studied. By supporting this research and the dissemination of information about Alabama's past, the department has sought to promote a more complete and accurate understanding of Alabama history.

These three interests were simultaneously embodied in the person of Thomas Owen, the driving force in creating the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Owen argued that the state has a responsibility to preserve the basic records of its people and its history. He served as director for almost 20 years and built the Alabama Archives into one of the most important cultural agencies not only in Alabama but in the United States.

In this original agency were the beginnings of the public library movement in Alabama, efforts to improve history education, a reference service for the legislature, research on and the marking of significant Alabama historical sites--all functions now performed by other agencies--along with other historical activities that continue to be carried out by the department.

Thomas Owen was succeeded by his widow, Marie Bankhead Owen. Under her leadership, the department continued to expand its collections. Mrs. Owen also secured funding for and construction of the new archives building in the late 1930s, a facility which at the time was one of the most outstanding state history centers in the United States.

During the years after the new building was opened in 1940, some programs were separated administratively from the department, while other responsibilities were added. The Alabama Public Library Service (responsible for assisting local libraries) and the Alabama Historical Commission (responsible for marking and preserving historical sites) became separate state agencies. Records management responsibilities for both state and local governments were added to the department's mandate.

Unfortunately, in the years after the department moved into its new building, its status as a national leader among state history organizations waned. State funding did not keep up with the changes in the size of government, the increase in collections, constituent demands for services, or the growth rates of archival and museum programs in Alabama's sister states. Despite efforts of department staff through four decades, the department was unable to keep up with the responsibilities before it. By the late 1970s, Alabama's archives, museum, and records management programs were far behind those of other southeastern states.

Beginning about 1980, the governor and the legislature began to provide new funds for strengthening the department's programs. New staff members were hired, and the collections management and educational programs of the department were substantially strengthened. In the 1990s, however, budget cuts resulted in a substantial program and staff reduction. Services that have been especially affected include:

  • microfilming historical newspapers and documents
  • acquiring private manuscripts and artifacts
  • developing new exhibits
  • cataloging and preserving the material already held by the Archives
  • providing assistance to local repositories and local historical organizations across the state
  • staffing the reference room and answering research inquiries.

    Some of these reductions are in programs and services the department has provided for almost a century. While financial resources have been decreasing, the state's records and artifacts that need to be preserved are increasing and also becoming more complex. Today's archivist has to deal with records in computers, on video and audio tape, and on numerous types of film--as well as increased quantities of more traditional materials.

    Despite dwindling financial resources, the department is attempting to continue the following programs as priority services

  • assistance to state agencies and local governments in the preservation of their records of historical value
  • work to preserve modern records in fragile formats, such as computer records, photographs, and video tapes
  • basic educational programs and tours to school children, tourists, and interested citizens
  • basic reference service
  • maintenance of the security of collections held by the Archives
  • the use of new information technology to extend the department's services.

    This web page is one example of that commitment.

    Now in its second century of service, the Alabama Department of Archives and History is mindful of its obligation to preserve the records of its past and to serve the information needs of future generations of researchers.

    http://www.archives.state.al.us/intro/adah.html

  • +++

    ALABAMA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator

    		 Alabama Department of Archives and History home page
    http://www.archives.state.al.us/index.html

    ALASKA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator

    Alaska Division of Libraries and Archives home page
    http://www.library.state.ak.us/

    Archives and Records Management
    http://www.archives.state.ak

    AMERICAN SAMOA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    		 American Samoa Government
    Office of Archives and Records Management

    ARIZONA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator

    Arizona State Library Archives and Public Records
    home page
    http://www.dlapr.lib.az.us/

    Arizona History and Archives Division home page
    http://www.dlapr.lib.az.us/archives/

    Records Management Division home page
    http://www.dlapr.lib.az.us/records/

    ARKANSAS

    Links to:
    State Coordinator

    Arkansas History Commission home page
    http://www.ark-ives.com/

    CALIFORNIA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    California State Archives home page
    http://www.ss.ca.gov/archives/archives.htm

    Department of General Services,
    Statewide Information and Records Management Program     home page
    http://www.osp.dgs.ca.gov/calrim/

    COLORADO

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Colorado State Archives home page
    http://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives/

     

    CONNECTICUT

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Connecticut State Library home page
    http://www.cslib.org/

    Public Records Administrator
    http://www.cslib.org/opra.htm

    Connecticut State Archives
    http://www.cslib.org/archives.htm

    DELAWARE

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    		 Delaware Public Archives home page
    http://archives.delaware.gov/

    DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    		 District of Columbia Office of Public Records home page
    http://os.dc.gov/os/cwp/view.asp?a=1207&Q
    =522721&osNav=|31376|

    FLORIDA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    State Library and Archives of Florida home page
    http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/index.cfm

    Bureau of Archives and Records Management
    http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/barm/

    Florida State Archives
    http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/barm/fsa.html

    Florida Records Management Program
    http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/index_RecordsManagers.cfm

    GEORGIA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    		 The Georgia Archives home page
    http://www.sos.state.ga.us/archives/

    HAWAII

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Hawai‘i State Archives
    http://www.hawaii.gov/dags/archives

     

    IDAHO

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Idaho State Historical Society home page
    http://www.idahohistory.net

    Library and Archives
    http://www.idahohistory.net/library_archives.html

    Division of Purchasing, State Record Center home page
    http://adm.idaho.gov/purchasing/record_cnt.htm

    ILLINOIS

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Illinois State Archives home page
    http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments
    /archives/archives.html

     

    INDIANA

    Link to:
    State Coordinator

    Indiana Commission on Public Records home page
    http://www.state.in.us/icpr/

    State Archives Division
    http://www.state.in.us/icpr/archives/

    Records Management Division
    http://www.in.gov/icpr/records_management/

    IOWA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    State Historical Society of Iowa home page
    http://www.iowahistory.org/

    Archives and Records Program
    http://www.iowahistory.org/archives/index.html

    KANSAS

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Kansas State Historical Society home page
    http://www.kshs.org/

    State Archives
    http://www.kshs.org/research/collections/
    documents/govtrecords/index.htm

    Records Management
    http://www.kshs.org/government/records/
    recordsmanagement.htm

    Local records
    http://www.kshs.org/government/records/
    localgovt/index.htm

    KENTUCKY

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives home page
    http://www.kdla.ky.gov/home.htm

    State Records Services
    http://www.kdla.ky.gov/recmanagement/state.htm

    LOUISIANA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Louisiana State Archives home page
    http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/archives/archives/archives-index.htm

    MAINE

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Maine State Archives home page
    http://www.maine.gov/sos/arc/

    Division of Archives Services
    http://www.maine.gov/sos/arc/research/homepage.html

    Division of Records Management Services
    http://www.maine.gov/sos/arc/records/

    MARYLAND

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Maryland State Archives home page
    http://www.msa.md.gov/

    Maryland Department of General Services home page
    http://www.dgs.maryland.gov/

    Office of Procurement and Logistics,
    Records Management Division
    http://www.dgs.maryland.gov/overview/logistics.htm

    MASSACHUSETTS

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
    http://www.sec.state.ma.us/

    Massachusetts Archives home page
    http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcidx.htm

    Public Records Division home page
    http://www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/preidx.htm

    State Records Center home page
    http://www.sec.state.ma.us/rec/recidx.htm

     

    MICHIGAN

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Department of History, Arts, and Libraries home page
    http://www.michigan.gov/hal/

    Michigan Historical Center home page
    http://www.michigan.gov/michiganhistory

    Archives of Michigan
    http://www.michigan.gov/archivesofmi

    Archives of Michigan, Services for Government
    http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-
    17451_18673_19379---,00.html

    Local Government Records Services
    http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-17451_18673_19379-56095--,00.html

    MINNESOTA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Minnesota Historical Society home page
    http://www.mnhs.org/

    State Archives
    http://www.mnhs.org/preserve/records/

    MISSISSIPPI

    Link to:
    State Coordinator

    Department of Archives and History home page
    http://www.mdah.state.ms.us/

    Library and Archives Division
    http://www.mdah.state.ms.us/arlib/arlib_index.html

    Records Management Division
    http://mdah.state.ms.us/recman/recmntxt.html

    Local Government Records Office
    http://www.mdah.state.ms.us/recman/index.html

    MISSOURI

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Office of the Secretary of State,
    Research and Reference home page
    http://www.sos.mo.gov/

    Missouri State Archives home page
    http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/Default.asp

    Records Management home page
    http://www.sos.mo.gov/records/recmgmt/

    Local Records Preservation Program home page
    http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/localrecs/

    MONTANA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Montana Historical Society home page
    http://www.his.state.mt.us/

    Archives Collections
    http://www.his.state.mt.us/research/library/
    archcoll.asp#State%20Government%20Records

    Secretary of State, Records Management home page
    http://sos.state.mt.us/RMB/index.asp

    NEBRASKA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Nebraska State Historical Society home page
    http://www.nebraskahistory.org/

    Library/Archives Division
    http://www.nebraskahistory.org/lib-arch/index.htm

    County records consultations
    http://www.nebraskahistory.org:80/lib-
    arch/research/public/county.htm

    State records consultations
    http://www.nebraskahistory.org:80/lib-
    arch/research/public/state.htm

    Secretary of State, Records Management Division home page
    http://www.sos.ne.gov/records-management/

    NEVADA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Nevada State Archives and Records Management home page
    http://dmla.clan.lib.nv.us/docs/nsla/

    Nevada State Archives
    http://dmla.clan.lib.nv.us/docs/nsla/archives/

    Records Management
    http://dmla.clan.lib.nv.us/docs/nsla/records/

    Local Government Records
    http://dmla.clan.lib.nv.us/docs/nsla/records/
    manual/recman.htm

    NEW HAMPSHIRE

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    		 New Hampshire Division of Records Management and Archives home page
    http://www.sos.nh.gov/archives/

    NEW JERSEY

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    New Jersey Division of Archives and Records Management home page
    http://www.njarchives.org/index.html

    State Archives
    http://www.njarchives.org/links/archives.html

    Records Management
    http://www.njarchives.org/links/recman.html

    NEW MEXICO

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Commission of Public Records home page,
    New Mexico State Records Center and Archives
    http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/

    Archives and Historical Services Division
    http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm

    Records Management Division
    http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/records/records_hm.htm

    NEW YORK

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    New York State Archives home page
    http://www.archives.nysed.gov/aindex.shtml

    Records Management for State and Local Agencies
    http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/records/index.shtml

    NORTH CAROLINA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    North Carolina Office of Archives and History home page
    http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/

    North Carolina State Archives
    http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/archives/

    Records Services Branch
    http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/records/

    NORTH DAKOTA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    State Historical Society of North Dakota home page
    http://www.nd.gov/hist/

    State Archives and Historical Research Library
    http://www.nd.gov/hist/sal.htm

    Information Technology Department home page
    http://www.nd.gov/itd/

    Information Services Division, Records Management
    http://www.nd.gov/itd/records/

    OHIO

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Ohio Historical Society home page
    http://www.ohiohistory.org/

    OHS, Archives/Library
    http://www.ohiohistory.org/resource/archlib/

    State Archives
    http://www.ohiohistory.org/resource/statearc/

    Department of Administrative Services,
    General Services Division

    Records Management
    http://www.gsd.das.state.oh.us/rims/default/

    OKLAHOMA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Oklahoma Department of Libraries,
    State Archives and Records     home page
    http://www.odl.state.ok.us/oar/index.htm

    Records Management
    http://www.odl.state.ok.us/oar/recordsmgt/index.htm

    OREGON

    Link to:
    State Coordinator

    Oregon State Archives home page
    http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/

    Records Management
    http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/banners/recmgmt.htm

    PENNSYLVANIA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission home page
    http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/overview.asp

    Pennsylvania State Archives
    http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/DAM/overview.htm

    Records Management

    State Government Services
    http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/RecordsMgnt/
    StateGovernmentServices.asp?secid=43#
    StateGovernmentServices

    Local Government/Judicial System Services
    http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/RecordsMgnt/
    LocalGovServices.asp?secid=43

    RHODE ISLAND

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Rhode Island State Archives home page
    http://www.sec.state.ri.us/Archives/

    SOUTH CAROLINA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    South Carolina Department of Archives and History home page
    http://www.state.sc.us/scdah/

    Services to State and Local Governments
    http://www.state.sc.us/scdah/statelcl.htm

    SOUTH DAKOTA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    South Dakota State Archives home page
    http://www.sdhistory.org/arc/archives.htm

    Records Management, Bureau of Administration home page
    http://www.state.sd.us/boa/records.htm

    TENNESSEE

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Tennessee State Library and Archives home page
    http://www.tennessee.gov/tsla/

    Department of General Services, Records Management Division home page
    http://www.state.tn.us/generalserv/ba17r/Rec.htm

    TEXAS

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Texas State Library and Archives Commission home page
    http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/

    Texas State Archives
    http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/agency/contact/
    contactaris.html

    State and Local Records Management
    http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/agency/contact/
    contactslrm.html

    UTAH

    Link to:
    State Coordinator

    Utah State Archives home page
    http://archives.utah.gov/

    VERMONT

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    		 Vermont State Archives, Secretary of State home page
    http://vermont-archives.org/

    Public Records, General Services Department home page
    http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/gsc/pubrec/index.html

    VIRGINIA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Library of Virginia home page
    http://www.lva.lib.va.us/

    Records Management
    http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwedo/records/index.htm

    Archives Research Services
    http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwedo/archives/index.htm

    Virginia Heritage Resource Center
    http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwedo/archives/vhrc.htm

    WASHINGTON

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Office of the Secretary of State,
    Archives and Records Management     home page
    http://www.secstate.wa.gov/archives/

     

    WEST VIRGINIA

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    West Virginia Division of Culture and History home page
    http://www.wvculture.org/history/archivesindex.aspx

    State Archives
    http://www.wvculture.org/history/wvsamenu.html

    Records Management and Preservation Board
    http://www.wvculture.org/history/rmpb/rmpb.html

    WISCONSIN

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Wisconsin Historical Society home page
    http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/

    Library-Archives
    http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/libraryarchives/

    Department of Administration, Enterprise Operations

    Public Records Board
    http://www.doa.state.wi.us/
    section_detail.asp?linkcatid=231

    WYOMING

    Links to:
    State Coordinator
    SHRAB

    Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Affairs home page
    http://wyospcr.state.wy.us/

    Wyoming State Archives home page
    http://wyoarchives.state.wy.us/

     

     

     

    		•
     
     
    Historic Homes Directory
    HomesHistoric@aol.com
     www.HistoricHomesDirectory.com

     

    Home |  Investor Tour Loma Linda- Bisbee, AZ |  Welcome |  How It Works |  SEE FEATURED PROPERTIES |  SEARCH HOMES |  Open Houses |  LIST MY PROPERTY |  Austin, TX Historic Homes Specialist |  Ky Trust Historic Mud Brick House |  Commercial Listings |  Dismantled Antique Buildings For Sale |  Old Barns-Restoration-Salvage |  Local Schools |  Historic American Architectural Styles |  Historic Designation |  Sec. of Interior Standards Historic Rehab |  State Historic Preservation Offices |  Historic Preservation Tax Incentives |  Restoration Resources |  Preservation Materials |  Preservation Publications |  Heritage Tourism |  National Register of Historic Places |  Historic Sites and Events |  Historic Parks & Monuments |  History Museums |  Museums By State |  State Archives  |  History & Archaeology Links |  House History Research |  Notorious Homes |  BOOK A MANSION |