Experience the courageous spirit of Rosa Parks, live the dream of Martin Luther King, Visit the Civil Rights Memorial Center and explore the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Parsonage and Museum where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was pastor and lived.
Day One
Every visit to Montgomery starts at this splendidly preserved train station, where tourists can enjoy a quick video highlighting things to see and do in Montgomery, and pick up brochures and other information. Visitors should stop at Montgomery’s official unique Gift Shop for memorable souvenirs! Free admission.
See the actual pulpit where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., first preached his message of hope and brotherhood at this national historic site. Don’t miss the original mural depicting the life works of Dr. King. Admission charge.
This 9l-year-old structure is the former home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his family. It has been fully restored with the original furniture and furnishings used by the King family. Admission charge. Appointments are preferred.
12:00 Lunch
Choose from a variety of home cooked Southern meals including the Farmer’s Market or Isaiah’s Restaurant.
This beautiful and fitting monument, designed by Maya Lin, honors those who died during the Civil Rights Movement and serves as a vehicle for education and reflection on the struggle for equality. Free admission.
The Civil Rights Memorial Center expands the experience of the Memorial honoring the memory and achievements of those who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement. In addition to state-of-the-art exhibits and in-depth information about Civil Rights Movement martyrs, the Civil Rights Memorial Center houses a 69-seat theater, a classroom for educational activities, a section dedicated to contemporary social justice issues and the Wall of Tolerance. Admission charge.
Constructed in l940, this Montgomery jewel is the oldest state-funded Archives in the nation. Walk through history in the many museum galleries and exhibits as well as the genealogical research facility. There’s a great break for the kids in “Grandma’s Attic!” Don’t miss it! Free admission.
5:00 Dinner
Be sure to review Montgomery’s delectable selection of dining options. Enjoy local favorites like Mr. G’s or Nancy Paterson’s Bistro.
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Day Two
Experience the courageous spirit of Rosa Parks, a 42-year-old seamstress who sparked the modern civil rights movement by taking a stand and keeping her seat. Watch a reenactment of the events and listen to actual participants of the l955 Montgomery Bus Boycott. The Children’s Wing expands the experience, giving youngsters a background on segregation and slavery in America. Admission charge.
Montgomery is home to one of the only state capitols designated a National Historic Landmark. See where Jefferson Davis took his oath of office as President of the Confederate States of America. The historic Senate and House of Representatives Chambers, the old Supreme Court Chambers and the original Governor’s office have been restored to the Civil War era. Plus, there’s great shopping in the gift shop, known as Goat Hill! Free admission.
12:30 Lunch
Enjoy lunch downtown. Choose a local favorite including Bandana’s for authentic Southern cuisine.
View civil rights exhibits, African American cultural exhibits and hear scholarly lectures and stories from those who were foot soldiers in the movement. Since ASU faculty, staff and students all participated in major events during the civil rights movement, the ASU campus is noted as a historic site. Free admission.
Did you know: In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ended the Selma-to-Montgomery Civil Rights March at the Capitol steps just one block away from the only church and pulpit that he ever ministered from?
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