Steve Murray

The General Assembly convened to address key issues such as internal improvements, particularly the construction of roads and railroads. Discussions centered on railroad financing, with a focus on the Alabama and Chattanooga railroads. The assembly also addressed education, with a focus on common school systems and the establishment of segregated schools. Additionally, the assembly discussed provisions for the deaf, dumb, and blind, including the operation of the Freedmen's Hospital. The assembly also addressed imprisonment for debt.

The meeting included a report from the Nominations Committee, which recommended the re-appointment of Trustees Delores Boyd and Majella Hamilton. The board recognized Frank Brown for his service. Staff reports covered updates on the Constitution of 2022, a new Department of Justice rule regarding website accessibility, and the introduction of Rebecca Jackson. Financial reports were presented, and updates were given on Museum Phase 3 implementation, communications and development, federal outreach, records management, and conservation projects. The board also expressed sympathy to Mrs. Shirley McCrary on the loss of her husband and acknowledged achievements of several trustees.

The meetings included personnel updates, financial reports, legislative updates, and NAGPRA compliance project reports. The board considered recommendations for deaccessioning human remains and funerary objects, as well as the Benjamin F. Perry papers. Reports were given on the preservation facility project, Museum of Alabama updates, and the History Forward campaign. The board also discussed the Alabama History Institutes, the Museum Project, and a temporary exhibit on Rosenwald Schools. A local records survey of probate offices was presented, and the director's performance evaluation was reviewed.

The meeting included a legislative report, a finance committee report, and an executive session. The board affirmed the strategic value of purchasing the Liberty Bank property and endorsed closing on the purchase. They also discussed the deaccession and repatriation of non-archaeological Native American materials and the deaccession of items belonging to William Letford. Procedures for the director's annual performance appraisal were reviewed. Updates were provided on the Museum of Alabama Phase 3, NAGPRA compliance, and the director's report. The board discussed personnel updates, the real property purchase, elevator renovations, and records management. They also received reports on the Alabama History Institutes and the Museum project. The meeting covered financial matters, including fund status, generated revenue, and income and expenses. The board also discussed a proposal to sponsor the National Endowment for the Arts grant and received updates on the Alabama Men's Hall of Fame induction.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History's FY 2021 Strategic Framework outlines key objectives and priorities across seven areas: collections management (acquisition, cataloging, preservation, and access); public outreach and education; support for state and local agencies; development; administrative operations; and staff development. Specific goals include enhancing collections through targeted acquisitions, improving preservation methods, expanding digital access, strengthening educational programs, providing records management assistance to state and local entities, and improving internal operations. The plan emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, and aims to increase public awareness and understanding of Alabama history.