by Geological Survey of Alabama (Created by)
The Alabama Department of Archives and History was founded in 1901 and became a model for many
other states. The first Director, Dr. Thomas Owen, argued that the state had a responsibility to preserve
the basic records of its people and its history. As the first of only five Directors, Dr. Owen served in
his position for almost 20 years and built the Alabama Archives into one of the most important cultural
agencies in the nation. In the past century, the Alabama Department of Archives and History has
expanded greatly from its humble beginning in Alabama's Senate to its current residence built in 1940.
The Alabama Department of Archives and History's state publications collection includes annual
reports, monographs and periodicals from the Governor's office and various state agencies including
the Department of Agriculture, Office of the Attorney General, Department of Education and more.
This document is one in this collection.