By Craig Scott, Director, Gadsden Public Library
One of the greatest treasures of the Gadsden Public Library system isn’t measured in circulation numbers or computer usage—it’s measured in stories. Thousands of them. Stories of families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and lives that have shaped Gadsden and Etowah County. Those stories live at our Alabama City Genealogy Branch.
Located at the corner of West Meighan Boulevard and Wall Street in the historic Alabama City section of Gadsden, this unique branch is devoted entirely to family history and genealogy research. Housed in a historic building that has long been part of the Alabama City community, the branch itself is a reminder of Gadsden’s past. Long before digital databases and online searches, this building served as a place of learning and preservation, and today it continues that mission by safeguarding the records of our shared history.
The Alabama City Genealogy Branch is staffed by three knowledgeable and dedicated professionals: Kevin Graves, Melody Cook, and Fred Moore. Together, they bring decades of experience and a genuine passion for helping patrons uncover their family stories. Whether someone is just beginning their genealogy journey or has been researching for years, the staff provides patient guidance and expert assistance.
What makes this branch truly special is the depth and variety of its collections. One of the most heavily used resources is the Gadsden Times newspaper archive, which dates all the way back to the paper’s beginnings in 1867. These newspapers provide an incredible window into daily life—births, marriages, obituaries, business advertisements, and major events—offering context and detail that can’t be found anywhere else.
Another invaluable collection is the personnel records of the Dwight Cotton Mill, which operated until its closure in 1959. For many families in this area, the mill was more than a workplace—it was a way of life. These records often provide names, job titles, and employment dates that help connect generations and preserve the legacy of one of Gadsden’s most important industries.
Researchers will also find Gadsden City Indexes, which function much like old phone books but offer far more information. These indexes can reveal addresses, occupations, and household members, helping patrons trace families year by year as they moved, worked, and grew within the city.
City and county probate records are another cornerstone of the genealogy branch. Wills, estate files, and guardianship records often contain rich details about family relationships, property, and personal history that are unavailable elsewhere. These records are especially valuable for research before statewide vital records were consistently kept.
The branch also features an excellent map collection, including historic maps that show how Gadsden and surrounding communities developed over time. Paired with the library’s historic photo collection, these materials allow visitors to see the places their ancestors lived, worked, and worshiped—sometimes even the very buildings they once walked into.
The Alabama City Genealogy Branch is more than a research facility; it is a place where the past comes alive. It serves genealogists, students, historians, and anyone who has ever wondered, “Where did I come from?”
If you’ve never visited this branch, I encourage you to do so. You may walk in searching for a name or a date, but chances are you’ll leave with a deeper connection to Gadsden and the people who helped shape it. Our history is waiting to be discovered, and the Alabama City Genealogy Branch is the perfect place to begin.
- Gadsden Public Library: 254 South College Street, downtown Gadsden (next to the U.S. Post Office). Phone: 256-549-4699
- Genealogy Branch: 2700 West Meighan Boulevard, Alabama City (corner of West Meighan and Wall Street). Phone: 256-549-4688
