Guide to the Administrative Records of
the Dothan Landmarks Foundation, Inc.,
Record Group 030

Date processed:  4/2004
Processed By: A. Stokes & A. Johnson

Repository Information

Archives of Wiregrass History & Culture
Troy University--Dothan Campus
P.O. Box 8368
Dothan, AL  36304

Website:  http://dothan.troy.edu/archives

Ph:  334-983-6556 x-327
E-mail:  Archivist Dr. Martin T. Olliff  <molliff@troy.edu>

Administrative Information

Accession              030-04-0211

Accession Dates  1978-2004 (bulk 1984-1994)

Accession Size      4.45 cuft

Administrative History:  Dothan Landmarks Foundation, Inc. (DLF), is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization chartered in 1976 to preserve the cultural and natural heritage of southeast Alabama.  The Foundation's primary project has been to develop and operate Landmark Park, a 100-acre facility enjoyed by approximately 40,000 visitors annually.  DLF is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors elected by the Foundation's membership.  It has had 3 Executive Directors--Sam Kates, , William Holman.

The park features a living history farmstead and crossroads-style community typical of 1890s-1900s Wiregrass towns.  Buildings include the farmhouse and outbuildings, a one-room schoolhouse, church, pharmacy, and store.  In addition, Landmark Park has nature trails and a boardwalk traversing a wetlands.  Its classrooms, planetarium, and offices are in its 8000 square-foot Administrative Center.  The park serves as an outdoor classroom hosting approximately 12,000 school children annually, and operates summer camps.  In 1993, the Alabama Legislature designated the park as "Alabama's Official Museum of Agriculture."

DLF not only operates Landmark Park but also has a mission to preserve the history of the Dothan Area.  To that end, it has collected historical manuscripts and photographs from residents, and conducted an extensive oral history program in the 1980s and 1990s.

Scope / Content Note:  Collection documents daily administration of Dothan Landmarks Foundation, Inc., and Landmark Park, particularly its administrative business, outreach, and fundraising by the original organizers, executive directors, and staff.

Organization          Organized into 7 series:  1. Administrative Files, 1983-95;
2. Press Releases with Photos, 1982-98; 3. Exhibits with Photos, 1987-2000;
4. Events, 1978-2001; 5. Publications, 1971-2004; 6.  Financial Records, 1981-98; 7. Board of Directors Minutes.

Provenance            Secured directly from DLF, Inc.

Processing Notes  Processed by Angelia Stokes and Audrey Johnson as a project in a Troy University--Dothan Campus class, HIS 3362--Archival Methods and Practices.  Reduced from ca. 12 cuft per William Holman, 3-31-04

Access Limits?      Open

ProcDate                  4/21/2004 

INVENTORY

Series 1:  1. Administrative Files, 1983-95; ca 1.2 cubic feet.  Annual meeting reports, Alabama Budget requests, general correspondence, monthly calendar pages (1989-1994), memorial thank you notes, newsletter sponsors, park rental information, children’s summer camp sponsorships and requests, State employee SYETP forms, teacher/naturalist position information and resumes, visitor registers with names and comments, volunteer organizational information, information on books and craft items sold on consignment.