GSO Archives

Visiting the Archives at GSO

Visitors are welcome to the General Service Office Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours are scheduled at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., and last about 45 minutes. On Fridays, GSO hosts an open A.A. meeting at 11 a.m. There is also a guided tour offered after the meeting at 12:15 p.m.

Plan your visit

We look forward to seeing you. In the meantime, you can visit the Online Archives.

To receive assistance most quickly, please email your correspondence directly to GSO via email or contact us. If you are a member and are considering sending a Seventh Tradition contribution, please note that you can also make a contribution online.

If you are seeking help with a drinking problem, please check with your local A.A. office by visiting A.A. Near You

 

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The A.A. Fellowship is one of the world’s major sociohistorical movements. We owe it to future A.A. members, as well as to historians, scholars and researchers, to maintain as complete a record as we can of this society at all times, so its message, meaning, and contributions, not only to alcoholics but in other problem areas, can be recalled and assessed for whatever future purpose, fully and accurately.”
— Nell Wing (nonalcoholic), GSO’s first archivist

Mission of the Archives

The mission of the Alcoholics Anonymous General Service Office Archives is:

  • to document permanently the work of Alcoholics Anonymous
  • to make the history of the organization accessible to A.A. members and other researchers
  • to provide a context for understanding A.A.'s progression, principles and traditions

Purpose of the Archives

Consistent with A.A.’s primary purpose, the Alcoholics Anonymous General Service Office Archives will:

  • receive, classify and index all relevant material considered to have historical importance to A.A.
  • 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 A.A. 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 A.A.
  • promote knowledge and understanding of the origins, goals and programs of A.A.

 

Local A.A. Archives Committees

Looking for historical resources to bring to your area or event? Want to learn more about collection and preservation? Check out the Archives Committee page to see the resources we have for you.

Archives Newsletter “Markings” – Discontinued

The Markings newsletter served as a way for A.A. archivists to exchange information. To use resources in the Archives department more effectively, Markings was discontinued in 2016.

Collection Details

We are a repository for official and unofficial records that document A.A.’s history in the U.S. and Canada. These materials related to the origin and development of the A.A. Fellowship include:

  • personal collections
  • manuscripts
  • correspondence
  • publications
  • photographs
  • memorabilia

Our job is to care for these records permanently. We provide proper facilities and procedures to ensure their preservation. See the details of our collection scope, acceptance of donations, and policies.

Access to Archival Records

A.A. members and non-A.A. members can access materials in the Archives for research. Our Archives staff will be glad to help you find what you are looking for.

View the Archives Access Page for details on our policies and application materials.

 

 

Contact the GSO Archives Staff

If you have further questions after reviewing the pages on our website, please use the contact form to reach us.

Archival Reproductions

Photographic reproductions are available for A.A. members and groups for personal use or may be used for exhibit purposes at A.A. events.