The building and grounds known as the first White House of the Confederacy, opposite the Capitol and now the property of the state, shall be preserved and held inviolate as a perpetual memorial to Jefferson Davis and the men and women associated with him in the organization of the Confederate government and as a reminder to all future generations that this great historical event, one of the most memorable in the annals of time, occurred in the City of Montgomery and State of Alabama.
To this end its use shall be confined to a display of what is known as the Jefferson Davis relics and such other relics of the Confederacy as may be gathered from time to time; provided, that vacant space not so in use may be occupied by such state officials as the Governor may from time to time direct.
Ala. Code § 41-12-1 (1975)