Record Archive has been a music and entertainment destination in Rochester since 1975. Marking its 50th anniversary — per the famed jingle, as “the place to go!” — Record Archive houses the largest vinyl record collection in the Northeast in its 13,000-square-foot store, featuring the latest music releases on CD and vinyl alongside vintage vinyl and other formats.
The colorful store has become a tourist destination for its music offerings but also its unique gifts and toys, vintage clothing and furniture, t-shirts and hoodies, souvenirs, thousands of movies, vintage equipment, and more. Shoppers can sip and shop, since Record Archive is the first record store in the Northeast to have a beer and wine license. This also enhances the Backroom Lounge that is a popular spot for weddings, parties, special events, and performances, with a dedicated stage for free live music events.
Richard Storms founded the Record Archive as a flea market both and then opened stores on Mt. Hope and East avenues, before settling into the current treasure-trove location at 33 1/3 Rockford Avenue in Rochester. He is sought-after for his immense music knowledge, which he cultivated while DJing a jazz show on WVOR and securing a 1920s victrola with records when working with antiques in his mid 20s
Storms estimates there are more than 1 million items at Record Archive, a number that rivals museums. He said their mission is in their name, which is to be a repository for all music. Alayna Alderman joined the Archive 40 years ago in 1985 as office manager and has been heralded as a retail and music visionary. Within nine years she was a co-owner and now is also vice president. Through active work with the Coalition of Music Stores (CIMS), Record Archive leaders are among the founders of national Record Store Day, and, in turn, influencers in the resurgence of vinyl. Alderman currently serves on the CIMS board of directors.
Together Storms and Alderman were awarded the Independent Spirit Award in 2019 by the Music Business Assoc. for the success of Record Archive. The onstage award announcement included, “Thanks to their undying dedication, Record Archive has stood the test of time to become a must-see music landmark for music fans and serious collectors alike.”
A musical artist to be announced will perform in honor of Record Archive at the induction concert.