The GSO Archives is dedicated to exploring A.A. history. Since formally opening in 1975, it has served both members of the A.A. Fellowship and the general public. The GSO Archives helps individuals with an interest in discovering A.A.’s roots and its growth around the world. We have published and unpublished materials from our history for you to discover.
Visiting the Archives at GSO
We invite you to tour our Archives exhibit area here at the General Service Office in New York City. We are at 475 Riverside Drive, and our building is at the cross streets of 120th St. and Riverside, one block west of Broadway. We’re easy to reach by subway, bus or cab.
We welcome visitors Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday is often a popular day to visit, as the staff hosts an open A.A. meeting at 11:00 a.m. each Friday. It's always very friendly and well-attended.
The Archives department has a variety of historical displays and exhibits. We welcome visitors to browse and explore here, and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have about A.A.’s history. Visitors can enjoy activities such as:
If you are planning extensive research, please note our access policies require pre-approval. See the Archives Access page for more details.
Visitors may also request a guided tour of the entire GSO — no appointment needed. You’ll meet the staff and learn how the office functions and provides services to the Fellowship. Large groups of more than ten people are encouraged to call the GSO and schedule an appointment before visiting.
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.
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.
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.