Archives-2024-11

Archives

 

Mission Statement

The primary purpose of the Archives Committee is to carry and to preserve the message of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Archives Committee views history as a living dynamic record of past events that have shaped our present. This record is more than just a compilation of important dates and a record of the transactions of notable people. Yes, it is true that in our effort to record the factual history of Alcoholics Anonymous in the Omaha area, we do collect and preserve documents, newspaper articles, flyers, pictures, books, letters, and many other items, which by necessity require that we date them. However, the focus of the Archives Committee is on ordinary people who have experienced an extraordinary transformation in their lives brought about by the power and magic of the twelve step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

For over half a century, Alcoholics Anonymous has prospered in the Omaha area. The phenomenal growth of Alcoholics Anonymous in the Midwest is comparable to a spark that has spread across the plains like a prairie fire.

The goal of the Archives Committee is to document and record for prosperity the essence of our local A.A. movement, for we firmly believe that the best way to assure the future of our A.A. fellowship is to nurture and to preserve our past.

Why Participate in Archives Service Work

If you do not know history, you are doomed to repeat it.

 A.A. history should be an integral part of your gratitude list – comparing how alcoholics were treated before and after the founding of A.A. in 1935.

Alcoholism is a disease of “disconnectedness.” Studying A.A. history helps you feel connected to something “greater than yourself.”

A.A. history shows us how real alcoholics with real problems overcame adversity through the grace of God and A.A.


A.A. history is summed up in the 12 and 12 (p. 75) in Step 7:

“Everywhere we saw failure and misery transformed by humility into priceless assets. We heard story after story of how humility had brought strength out of weakness.”


A.A. history shows proof of a Higher Power:

“During this process of learning more about humility, the most profound result of all was the change in our attitude toward God.”

 

Sources: A.A. Comes of Age, Pass It On: Bill W’s Biography, and Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers.

Bill W’s Statement on Archives Work

“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 be 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


“Whenever a society or civilization perishes, there is always one condition present: they forgot where they came from.”

– Carl Sanburg

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