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The Museum of Alabama at the Alabama Department of Archives and History is now open EVERY Saturday, starting September 3, 2011, from 8:30 - 4:30. Full Archives services, including the Research Room and special activities, are available only on the 2nd Saturday of each month.
Severe budget cuts and resulting staff reductions in January 2009 led to the elimination of all Saturday services at the Alabama Department of Archives & History. In November 2010 limited hours and services were restored with the research room and museum open on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 8:30 - 4:30.
Starting in September 2011 the museum will re-open each Saturday thanks to a grant from the Alabama Tourism Department and the Friends of the Archives. This grant will allow tourists to visit the new exhibits, The Land of Alabama and The First Alabamians, which make up Phase I of the new Museum of Alabama. The Research Room will remain closed on all Saturdays except the 2nd Saturday of each month.
The Land of Alabamaexhibit includes a multimedia introduction to the state's varied geology and the natural resources that have helped shape Alabama history. The gallery also features photographs by Beth Maynor Young, highlighting Alabama's diverse and beautiful environment. Artifacts help illustrate the state's natural resources and products from the land of Alabama. The First Alabamians exhibit tells the story of Native Americans from prehistory to 1700 using artifacts, interactive maps, a large diorama model of a Mississippian village, and ten specially commissioned murals. These exhibits constitute Phase I of the Museum of Alabama, which eventually will include five renovated galleries and an entirely new centerpiece exhibit, Alabama Voices. Funding for Phase I was provided b a 2007 state bond issue and private contributions. Fundraising for subsequent phases of the project is ongoing.
New Hours at ADAH starting 3 September 2011:
Museum of Alabama: Monday - Saturday, 8:30 - 4:30
Research Room: Tuesday - Friday, 8:30 - 4:30, 2nd Saturdays, 8:30 - 4:30
www.archives.alabama.gov
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