Online & Manuscript Archive

In 2010, Stepping Stones and its supporters began the massive multi-part Archives Preservation Project to safeguard Bill and Lois Wilsons’ more than 227,000 original personal papers, photographs, and manuscripts and 7,800 photographs. Microfilm and digital copies were made.  An online archive with 10,000 easy-to-access images is in development, and you can apply to be trained from home to categorize, transcribe, and/or translate documents. The work of volunteers will make searching the archive by date, subject, etc. possible.
Submit this application to learn more.

For those who have already completed the above form and have been contacted to volunteer, please complete the Online Archive Volunteer Policy Agreement and Conflict Disclosure Form.

Permission is required for use or sharing of the below materials.

• Letter: Carl Jung to Bill Wilson
• Books & Inscriptions: A list of books found in the Wilsons’ home at Stepping Stones.
• The Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century, section on “Heroes & Icons” including Bill Wilson, by Susan Cheever, June 14, 1999.

Scholars, authors, filmmakers, and 12-Step history enthusiasts find Stepping Stones Archive to be an invaluable resource for projects requiring biographical information about the Wilsons and information about the early history of A.A. and Al-Anon. Highlights include rare diaries, moving correspondence and original memorabilia related to the Wilsons, their families, and early pioneers of A.A.

To review, access, or use archive material, please apply by completing the first two forms below (policy and anonymity agreements) and all other relevant forms. 

Agreement to Archive Policies Form

Anonymous Materials Research Form

Information Research Request Form

Research Study Copy Request Form

Image / Photography Request Form

Archive Material Use Request Form

Rights and Reproduction Use Form

In-Person Archive Research Request Form

Stepping Stones collects archival and other material related to Bill and Lois Wilson, their work related to A.A. and Al-Anon, and the Wilsons’ circle. To find out if materials are a fit for our archive, please contact us.

Examples of recently donated items include, an original Liberty Magazine featuring their first A.A. story, a book inscribed by Bill’s early A.A. colleague, and a rare recording of Lois We are grateful to all who entrust Stepping Stones with important items, which will be preserved and shared in a meaningful way.

Stepping Stones does not provide advice on tax and financial advantages of giving. Please contact your accountant or tax advisor regarding deductibility requirements.

If an item is a match for our archive, Stepping Stones and the donor will complete a deed of gift form.