How the Museum of Alabama Is Preserving History Through Digitization
One of the museum's most impactful recent initiatives is a major digitization project expanding public access to Alabama’s historical record. To mark the 90th anniversary of the Alabama Department of Public Safety, now known as the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, key publications were digitized to document the department’s evolving role in public safety. These materials provide valuable insight into how law enforcement developed alongside Alabama’s growth, offering researchers, educators, and curious visitors new ways to explore the state’s history while ensuring these resources are preserved for future generations.
A New Children’s Gallery at the Museum of Alabama
Families can look forward to an exciting transformation at the museum. The popular Hands-On Gallery reopened its doors in early November 2025 after undergoing a complete renovation and name change. Officially known as the Children’s Gallery, the reimagined space offers interactive, age-appropriate experiences that introduce Alabama history through hands-on discovery, creative play, and storytelling, making the museum an engaging destination for young learners and families.
Expanded Military Exhibit Honors Alabama’s Service and Sacrifice
Also unveiled in November 2025, the museum’s expanded military exhibit provides a deeper, more comprehensive look at Alabama’s military history and the individuals who served. With enhanced storytelling and new interpretive elements, the exhibit connects personal experiences to broader moments in state and national history, offering a meaningful space for reflection, education, and remembrance.
Updated Alabama Voices Exhibit Shares Powerful Stories from Across the State
The Alabama Voices exhibit, known for centering lived experiences and personal narratives, has also seen updates to its spaces. These enhancements further elevate the voices that define Alabama’s identity, highlighting stories of culture, resilience, community, and change. By focusing on individual perspectives, Alabama Voices helps visitors connect emotionally with history and understand how Alabama’s past continues to influence life in Montgomery today.
What to Expect during your visit
- Hours: The Alabama Department of Archives and History, including the Museum of Alabama, is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- The Archives Research Room is open Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Research Room is closed on Mondays.
- Parking: Limited, free parking is available in a lot directly behind the building on Adams Avenue. On-street parking is available in the surrounding blocks
- Admission: Free and open to the public
- Time to Explore: Plan at least 1–2 hours to experience multiple galleries and exhibits
- Family-Friendly: Interactive experiences for all ages, with a new Children’s Gallery
- Programs & Events: Classes, workshops, and special events offered year-round; some programs may require registration
- Know Before You Go: Located in downtown Montgomery and easy to pair with nearby dining and attractions
- Museum Shop: Visit Alabama Original for Alabama-made goods, books, and locally inspired keepsakes
Plan Your Visit
If you’re visiting Montgomery for the first time or rediscovering the city through a new lens, the Alabama Department of Archives and History offers an experience that rewards curiosity at every age. With evolving exhibits, dynamic programs, family-friendly spaces, and stories that reflect the people of Alabama, no two visits feel the same. Plan time to explore the Museum of Alabama, attend a class or special event, and browse Alabama Original to take a piece of the story home. It’s a place to learn, reflect, and return to, again and again, while deepening your connection to Montgomery and Alabama’s history.
