Like our counterparts across the nation and the world, the government of the State of Alabama is facing a historic challenge as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Alabama Department of Archives and History’s foremost concern at this time is the health and safety of all Alabamians; as such, the ADAH building will be closed to the public with most staff working remotely. Although onsite programming has been suspended, ADAH staff continue to serve the public from a distance, including through the recent introduction of Alabama History@Home (alabamahistoryhome.org).
Over the past few weeks, we have been amazed and inspired by the many state and local government entities meeting this challenge with new resources and creative initiatives intended to support staff members and the public at large. As the state’s government records repository and home to the state history museum, the ADAH wants to ensure that historic records documenting the pandemic and the government’s response are preserved for the future.
State and local officials can take important steps to preserve the historical record by saving documentation related to the pandemic as it is created. Types of records that agencies should set aside include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Informational materials related to COVID-19 (paper or electronic) such as graphics, posters, guidance, newsletters, etc.
- Press releases
- COVID-19 committee/task force meeting minutes
- Photographs
- Video recordings of announcements, press conferences, etc.
- Administrative files of agency leaders (such as directors and commissioners)
- Planning and policy documentation, especially documentation of modifications to services, policies, or future plans
- Legal opinions and guidance
- Important communications and correspondence with staff or external stakeholders, including email messages
- Any other information that may be historically significant
At this busy time, we ask that state and local officials simply set aside and save these records. The Records Management Section will work with state and local government agencies at a later time on the long-term preservation of archival records. Staff are available by email to answer questions or help in any way we can. For state and local agencies working to adapt to the new normal and to anyone doing their part to “flatten the curve,” thank you for your dedication.
For the Record 