Capital Campaign Kicked Off At West Wing Groundbreaking

As the winds blew and the storm clouds cleared, Alabama officials broke ground for the Archives new west wing under emerging rays of sunlight.

A crowd of approximately 300 people gathered upon the front steps of the Archives building on December 14, 2001, to participate in this historic event. Among those in attendance were 4th graders of Meadowview Christian in Selma and 8th grade history students of Baldwin Junior High School in Montgomery, who also enjoyed a tour of the museum following the event.

The program featured Governor Don Siegelman, Archives Board of Trustees Chairman Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb, Tourism & Travel’s Assistant Director Frances Smiley, and Friends of the Alabama Archives’ President Val McGee as the guest speakers.

Governor Siegelman, ADAH Trustees and other dignitaries break ground on new Archives wing

In addition to the groundbreaking, cake and refreshments marked the celebration of Alabama’s 182nd year of statehood. Gov. Siegelman remained on hand to officially start the celebration by cutting the Alabama-shaped cake.

The total west wing and renovation project is estimated at $30 million, of which $15 million has already been raised. The remaining $15 million -- yet to be raised -- will be for renovations to the existing Archives building and the creation of the long-awaited “Museum of Alabama History.”

After approximately seven years of work to get the project authorized, funded, designed, and approved, construction will begin January 22, 2002.