Standing committee
Archives
Collecting, preserving and sharing the history of A.A. in our Area.
What this committee does
The Archives Committee carries the A.A. message through its historical perspective: it gathers, preserves and displays the history of Alcoholics Anonymous in Southern California and in Mid-Southern California Area 09 in particular, in English and Spanish. It runs the Area’s archives repository in Riverside, open to every member on Saturdays.
- Type
- Standing committee
- When we meet
- Every 3rd Saturday · 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Who serves
Todd W. · English
- Area committee guidelines
- Approved September 8, 2024
Its work in Area 09
- Operate the Area 09 Archives Repository, 7111 Arlington Ave., Suite B, Riverside — open Saturdays 10 AM–1 PM; Sundays and evenings by appointment.
- Gather group histories from across the Area with the Group History form (English and Spanish, or online).
- Host the Archives Open House each March and Heritage Day each October, when longtime members share what A.A. and service were like.
- Take traveling exhibits, presentations and research help to A.A. events across Southern California.
- Catalogue the collection through the Collections Committee under a written Collections Policy (revised 2024).
- Keep the Area’s physical records and an annual copy of the Area website.
- Host the 2027 National A.A. Archives Workshop in San Bernardino (September 23–26, 2027).
How to get involved
Committee meetings are open to anyone: 3rd Saturday of each month, 10 AM–1 PM, at the repository and on Zoom. Membership is open to any A.A. member willing to serve, preferably with a year of sobriety — you become a voting member at your second meeting (within six months). There is no other requirement than a desire to learn and preserve A.A. history.
How it is organized
Officers: Chair (subject to approval by the Area Assembly), Alternate Chair and Secretary, elected at the first committee meeting after Area elections (Third Legacy suggested) for two-year terms, renewable once. The Archivist — recommended by the Chair, approved by the committee and reviewed every four years — has custody of the collection, with an assistant. An Operating Committee (officers, Archivist, Collections chair) handles emergencies; a Collections Committee of at least three meets at least quarterly. Quorum: five members, two of them officers.
A little history
The Assembly created the Archives Committee in 1982; its first repository opened in 1991 (in Colton), and the committee moved to its present home on Arlington Avenue in Riverside in early 2009. Guidelines first approved 1985; current Revision G approved September 2024.
When we meet
When
10:00 AM–1:00 PM · Pacific time
- Next: Sat, Oct 17, 2026
- Next: Sat, Nov 21, 2026
- Next: Sat, Dec 19, 2026
- Next: Sat, Jan 16, 2027
- The Archives repository is open Saturdays, 10 AM to 1 PM.
Add to your calendar
Google Calendar and the .ics file add every date of this meeting; Outlook.com adds the next date.
Coming up
-
History & archives
Heritage Day @ Archives!
In person -
History & archives
District 8 Heritage Day
In person
Nothing scheduled right now.
Open the calendarWho serves
Panel 76There is a seat for you
This committee has open positions. Chairs are elected or confirmed at an Area meeting — write to the Area Chair to say you are interested, or come to the next meeting and introduce yourself.
Who served in Panel 74
- Robert H. · Archives Chair
First names and last initials only. The e-mail addresses belong to the service position, not the person, and pass to whoever serves next.
Guidelines & reports
Area committee guidelines
How this committee is organized in Area 09, as approved by the Assembly.
Earlier versions (2)
More copies in the document library (3)
Reports & records
Minutes, reports and flyers from the document library, newest first.
A.A. literature & service material
This service on aa.orgFrom the General Service Office (aa.org): guidelines, workbooks and pamphlets for this service, in English and Spanish. The codes help when ordering printed copies.
On aa.org1
A.A. Guidelines1
Workbooks1
Service material6
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit the Archives?
Yes. The repository at 7111 Arlington Ave., Suite B, Riverside, is open every Saturday 10 AM–1 PM; Sundays and evenings by appointment. Open House (March) and Heritage Day (October) are great first visits.
How do I record my group's history?
Fill out the Group History form (English or Spanish) or the online form and send it to the committee. Founding dates, meeting places, early members (first names only) and anniversaries all help.
Can I donate old A.A. material?
Yes — write to the Archivist first. Donations are accepted under A.A. guidelines and the Collections Policy; the committee does not buy A.A. memorabilia.
See something out of date? Tell the Web Servant: webmaster@msca09aa.org · edit the data file
Related committees & service
Secretary
Keeps the record of the Area and gets the word out.
- Brian S. · English
Area officer
Literature
Let literature carry the message, too.
- Dean C. · English
- Abel · Spanish
At the Area meeting break-out (2nd Sunday)
Guidelines & Policies
Helping the Area reach substantial unanimity — one motion at a time.
- Spencer D. · English
At the Area meeting break-out (2nd Sunday)
Technology
The website, online meetings and the tools that let service happen.
- Teri M. · English
Every Friday · 11:00 AM–12:00 PM