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National Voting Rights Museum and Institute: A Testament to Courage

Explore the pivotal history of the Voting Rights Movement in Selma, AL, honoring the brave activists who fought for equality. A must-see Civil Rights landmark.

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Located in Selma, Alabama, near the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute serves as a permanent memorial to the struggle for voting rights for disenfranchised Americans [1, 5]. The museum collects, exhibits, and documents images and artifacts related to the history of Selma, the Voting Rights struggle, and the Civil Rights Movement [1].

A brief summary to National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Allow ample time to explore the museum's exhibits fully; a few hours will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the history [5, 10].
  • Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and have a more intimate experience with the exhibits [5].
  • Check the museum's website for special events or programs happening during your visit that might enrich your experience [5, 10].
  • Combine your visit with a walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to fully appreciate the historical context of the museum [5, 10].
  • Engage with the museum staff and ask questions; they can provide deeper insights and stories behind the exhibits [5, 6].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute is located at 6 US-80 East in Selma [2, 6, 10]. If you are already in downtown Selma, near landmarks like the Edmund Pettus Bridge or the St. James Hotel, the museum is easily accessible by foot [6, 10]. Head east on US-80 (also known as Broad Street) for a few blocks [6, 10]. The museum will be on your right [6, 10]. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes from the downtown area [10].

  • Driving

    If driving from outside of Selma, follow signs for US-80 East [6, 10]. Once you enter Selma, continue on US-80 East (Broad Street) [6, 10]. The museum will be on the right side of the road [6, 10]. Parking is available in the vicinity, either on the street or in nearby lots [6, 10]. Parking costs are typically free [10]. Be mindful of local parking regulations [10].

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Discover more about National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, established in 1991 and opened in 1993, stands as a cornerstone of American Civil Rights history [3, 4, 5]. Situated near the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of the brutal 'Bloody Sunday' attack in 1965, the museum offers a powerful and immersive experience that educates visitors about the events leading up to the Voting Rights Act and the ongoing fight for equality [5]. The museum's mission is to collect, exhibit, interpret, and document images and artifacts related to the history of Selma, the Voting Rights struggle, Voting Rights in America, and the broader Civil Rights Movement [1, 5]. Founded by Faya Ora Rose Touré and Marie Foster, the museum pays homage to the courage and strength of civil rights supporters who endured hatred, bigotry, violence, and even death to secure the right to vote for African Americans [3, 5]. The museum's exhibits are designed to engage visitors with interactive displays, informative panels, and personal stories that bring the history of the Voting Rights Movement to life [5, 6]. The 'Footprints to Freedom' gallery features molded cast-footprints of some of the activists who participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches, allowing visitors to literally walk in their footsteps [3, 5]. The Marie Foster Room, also known as the 'Selma Room,' showcases voting records, clothing worn by people beaten during the march, and other artifacts that provide a tangible connection to the events of 1965 [3, 5]. The museum also features a room where participants in the 1960s marches can leave personal messages and share their memories, creating a living history archive for future generations [4, 5]. The museum supports research forums, community conversations, and educational resources and presentations that impact or support voting rights issues in America [3].

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