“I hope that these materials will facilitate academic research for scholars and students of law, history, policy, political science and other fields, as I believe one of the most important investments we make is in our classrooms.”
Sen. Richard Shelby
Following his retirement in 2023, Senator Shelby generously contributed all his official Senate papers, records, and materials to The University of Alabama. As custodians of this invaluable collection, we aim to facilitate research, preserve knowledge and inspire future generations.
The acquisition of Shelby’s papers served as a catalyst for The University of Alabama to establish the Institute along with novel academic, leadership and scholarly research programs. These initiatives aim to offer students, faculty and staff valuable opportunities to interact with influential politicians and policy professionals.
The University is committed to the thorough archival of Senator Shelby’s papers, aiming to create a comprehensive database for scholarly research. This archival collection holds a diverse array of materials, including 700 boxes of physical records, 156 GB of electronic materials, two TB of television interviews stored on an external hard drive and various physical awards and pictures. This extensive collection serves as a valuable resource for researchers seeking insights into Senator Shelby’s multifaceted contributions and experiences.