[1][2] The library has the stated purpose of preserving, housing, and making available the official papers, records, artifacts, and other historical materials of Jefferson Davis.

Despite the name, it is not administered by the National Archives and Records Administration, as Jefferson Davis was never president of the United States.

[1] On August 29, 2005, the library suffered heavy damage from the fierce wind and water of Hurricane Katrina.

The library pavilion, the Hayes Cottage, the Soldiers Home barracks replica, the Confederate Soldiers Museum, the gift shop, and the director's home were totally destroyed.

Artifacts were photographed, inventoried, boxed, and placed in environmental storage while conservation of the items and Beauvoir Historic Site were underway.