Welcome to the Alabama Labor Archives & History! Located in the heart of Montgomery, AL, this museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying the history of working people in the United States, and especially in Alabama.
We are proud to showcase the accomplishments of labor in our state and nation. Our mission is to preserve and promote the history and culture of organized labor in Alabama. We want to help tell the stories of the brave men and women who came together to demand their rights, who worked tirelessly to improve conditions and wages, and who advocated for greater worker safety and protection.
At our museum, we showcase artifacts that capture the struggles, victories, losses and successes of labor. Our exhibits tell stories of how workers were able to build their own unions and how labor leaders fought for members’ rights and privileges.
History is an important part of our museum, too. We have displays about historic events like The Great Strike of 1911, which saw more than 10,000 striking coal miners in north-central Alabama. We also have exhibits that document critical movements, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-56 which helped launch a new era of civil rights for African Americans in Alabama.
One of our permanent exhibits is “Alabama's Industrial Revolution: 1880-1920” which showcases major industrial developments that changed the state from an agricultural-based society to a more modern economy. “Rights at Work: Centuries of Struggle” is another exhibit which explores worker rights movements. Visitors can see how immigrants, African Americans, women and laborers fought for fair wages and labor laws.
Visitors will also find displays about child labor laws, minimum wage regulations and other social justice issues that have taken place throughout Alabama’s history.
The Alabama Labor Archives & History holds special events throughout the year such as lectures, book signings and panel discussions on current labor issues in the US. We also host activities such as hands-on learning sessions or walking tours on topics like organized crime or labor unions.
So come on down and take a look at the history of working people from around the country through the eyes of Alabamians! Get informed about today's labor struggles with one visit to the Alabama Labor Archives & History today!