What is the Archive Committee?

An A.A. archive consists of any historical collection at the level of the group, district, area, intergroup/ central office, region, or General Service Office.

Archives committees usually include A.A. members who are knowledgeable about A.A.’s history and the service structure, as well as those who simply want to help. The archives committee establishes budgets, policies and procedures, and has final responsibility for the management of the archives, through its group conscience. For most A.A. archivists, preserving A.A.’s past is a labor of love.

What does the Archive Committee do?

Receive, classify and index all relevant material, such as administrative files and records, correspondence, and literary works and artifacts considered to have historical importance to Alcoholics Anonymous.

Hold and preserve such material. Provide access to these materials, as determined by the archivist in consultation with the trustees’ Archives Committee, to members of Alcoholics Anonymous and to others who may have a valid need to review such material, contingent upon a commitment to preserve the anonymity of our members.

Serve as a resource and laboratory to stimulate and nourish learning. Provide information services to assist the operations of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Promote knowledge and understanding of the origins, goals and program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Archive Committee Links

The History of A.A.