Archives - Defined | District 5 AA

Archives Committee

Archives

“We are trying to build up extensive records which will be of value to a future historian... It is highly important that the factual material is placed in our files in such a way that there can be no substantial distortion... We want to keep enlarging on this idea for the sake of the full-length history to come...” - Bill W., 1957

Purpose (from Area 58 guidelines)

“Whenever a society or civilization perishes there is always one condition present; they forgot where they came from.” - Carl Sandberg

Like any other AA service, the primary purpose of those involved in archives is to carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is more than a mere custodial activity; it is the means by which we collect preserve and share the rich and meaningful heritage of our fellowship. It is by. It is by the collection and sharing of these historical elements that our collective gratitude for Alcoholics Anonymous is deepened.

AA members have a responsibility to gather and take good care of the fellowship’s historical documents and memorabilia. Correspondence, records, photographs, newspaper and magazine articles from the past need be collected, preserved, and made available for the guidance and research of AA members and others (researchers, historians, and scholars from various disciplines) – for now and for generations yet to come.

Who we are

The Archives Steering Committee (ASC) is responsible for all archived materials belonging to District 5, and development of policies and procedures for doing this important work. The ASC provides oversight for the District Archivist and assists with developing motions (related to archives) requiring District Committee approval. Examples of archives motions: archival preservation materials needed in excess of the current budget, or to provide other budgetary resources (e.g. increased repository rent).

Due to the special nature of preservation duties and repository maintenance, it may be necessary to involve committee members who may not be alcoholic but have special expertise applicable to archives. Such non-AA friends would be familiar with our Primary Purpose and AA Traditions.

What we do

Receive donated archive materials
Determine ownership/copyrights for donations
Hold and preserve donations
Create oral histories of District “long-timers”
Maintain the physical District Repository and indexes to archive materials
Provide access to materials as determined by current district policy, and in keeping with AA Traditions
Serve as a resource for District Groups and members
Provide for deaccession of archives materials as determined by current district policy

How you can help