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.
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
- 6 US-80 East, Selma, Alabama, 36701, US
- +1334-526-4340
- Visit website
- 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].
Getting There
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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].
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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].
Discover more about National Voting Rights Museum and Institute
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bridgetender's House
0.5 km
Step back in time at the Bridgetender's House in Selma, AL – a historic cottage with stunning river views and a rich past.
Organpi Farms Farmhouse
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Queen City Kale
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St. James Hotel Selma, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
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Experience Southern charm at St. James Hotel Selma, where history meets modern comfort along the beautiful Alabama River.
905 Gallery
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Discover curated Southern art at Gallery 905 in Selma, Alabama, where community and creativity thrive.
Sleeping Prophet Edgar Cayce Memorial
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Explore the Edgar Cayce Memorial in Selma, Alabama, a historic landmark celebrating the legacy of America's most famous clairvoyant and his insights on spirituality and healing.
The Coffee Shoppe
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Temple Mishkan Israel
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Discover Temple Mishkan Israel in Selma, AL: a historic synagogue, a monument to Jewish heritage, and a landmark of Civil Rights history.
Riverview Historic District
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Mabry-Jones House
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Icehouse Historic District
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Discover the rich history and architectural beauty of the Icehouse Historic District in Selma, Alabama—a must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers.
John Tyler Morgan House
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Bloch Park
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Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot
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Edmundite Missions
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Unmissable attractions to see
Civil Rights Memorial Park
0.1 km
Reflect on the courageous fight for equality at Selma's Civil Rights Memorial Park, honoring pivotal events and figures of the movement.
Edmund Pettus Bridge
0.4 km
Walk in the footsteps of civil rights heroes on this iconic bridge, a powerful symbol of the fight for voting rights and equality in Selma, Alabama.
Selma Interpretive Center of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
0.5 km
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Historic Riverfront Park
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Bridge Crossing Jubilee
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Commemorating the Selma to Montgomery marches and the Voting Rights Act, honoring civil rights history and the fight for equality.
Enslavement & Civil War Museum
0.6 km
Explore the compelling history of African Americans from ancient Africa through enslavement and the Civil War at this Selma museum.
Old Depot Museum
0.8 km
Explore Selma's vibrant history at the Old Depot Museum, from Native American artifacts to the Civil Rights Movement.
Vaughan Smitherman Museum
0.9 km
Explore Selma's vibrant past within the walls of this historic Greek Revival landmark, from Civil War relics to hospital artifacts.
Old Town Historic District
0.9 km
Explore Selma's Old Town Historic District: A journey through time, architecture, and the heart of the Civil Rights Movement.
Brown Chapel AME Church
1.1 km
Visit the historic Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Alabama, a pivotal landmark in the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for voting rights.
Sturdivant Hall Museum
1.6 km
Experience the grandeur of the Old South at Sturdivant Hall, a beautifully preserved Greek Revival mansion in historic Selma, Alabama.
Tabernacle Baptist Church
2.0 km
Visit Tabernacle Baptist Church in Selma, a historic landmark and pivotal site in the Civil Rights Movement, showcasing courage and resilience.
New Live Oak Cemetery
2.7 km
Discover Selma's past in a serene setting, where history and nature intertwine among the monuments and ancient trees of New Live Oak Cemetery.
Lions Fair Park
5.1 km
A community hub in Selma, Alabama, hosting the annual Central Alabama Fair and various local events.
Old Cahawba Archaeological Park
12.3 km
Explore Alabama's first capital, a ghost town where history and nature intertwine. Discover ruins, trails, and stories of the past.
Essential places to dine
Dallas Bar-B-Que
0.3 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Dallas Bar-B-Que in Selma - where smoky flavors meet hearty hospitality.
Reflections Coffee Shoppe
0.5 km
Experience warmth and flavor at Reflections Coffee Shoppe in Selma – your go-to spot for delicious coffee and local charm.
Sterling's
0.5 km
Discover the heart of American cuisine at Sterling's in Selma - where Southern hospitality meets delicious home-cooked meals.
Gab n grab
0.5 km
Experience the heart of American cuisine at Gab n Grab in Selma, Alabama – where comfort food meets Southern hospitality.
Munch Box
0.7 km
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Macks Amillion Daiquiri shop
0.7 km
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Xpression
0.7 km
Discover Xpression in Selma: A culinary gem offering delicious Southern cuisine and warm hospitality in a vibrant setting.
Bistro Manila (and Boba Manila)
0.8 km
Experience authentic Filipino cuisine and delicious bubble tea at Bistro Manila in Selma, Alabama – where every meal tells a story.
The Downtowner Restaurant
0.8 km
Experience family-friendly dining at The Downtowner Restaurant in Selma – where delicious comfort food meets warm hospitality.
5 & Dime
0.8 km
Experience authentic American cuisine at 5 & Dime in Selma, Alabama - where every meal tells a story.
MK87
0.9 km
Discover MK87 in Selma: A delightful sandwich shop offering locally-sourced flavors in a welcoming atmosphere.
Hickory Pit
1.1 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Hickory Pit in Selma – where smoky flavors meet warm hospitality.
Church's Texas Chicken
1.8 km
Discover the delicious taste of Southern comfort food at Church's Texas Chicken in Selma - where every meal is a celebration!
Hibachi Xpress
1.9 km
Experience authentic hibachi cuisine at Hibachi Xpress in Selma – fresh ingredients and skilled chefs create memorable meals.
Pizza Hut Express
2.2 km
Discover delicious pizzas at Pizza Hut Express in Selma, Alabama - a perfect spot for quick bites while exploring rich Southern history.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Selma Curb Market
0.2 km
Explore local flavors and community spirit at Selma Curb Market, your go-to grocery store in Selma, Alabama, offering fresh produce and unique artisanal goods.
Johnny's Package Store
0.3 km
Explore Johnny's Package Store in Selma, AL - your go-to spot for local liquor, convenience services, and a taste of Southern hospitality.
Broad Street Books
0.6 km
Explore Broad Street Books, Selma's charming bookstore offering a diverse selection of literature in a cozy atmosphere.
On Time Fashions
0.6 km
Discover the latest trends in men's fashion at On Time Fashions, Selma's go-to destination for stylish clothing and accessories.
Cotton House
0.7 km
Discover Cotton House in Selma, Alabama - a boutique clothing store offering unique fashion pieces and a warm shopping experience.
This & That
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Snack Store
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Lex Couture Boutique
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Queen City Market
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Spiller Furniture Co
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Odds and Ends Gift Shop
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allez-oup
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Express Shop
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Frames 'N Things
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The Salvation Army Family Store
1.3 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sparkle's Saloon
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Dripz Lounge
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Dallas County
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Southern Comfort Lounge
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XPLOSION
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Dallas County Moose Lodge 1737
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Michael's Pub
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King Bar
16.0 km
Discover the wonders of King Bar, a vibrant reef destination in Alabama offering stunning marine life and a relaxing atmosphere for every tourist.
Mary Taylor Bar
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Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious seafood at Mary Taylor Bar, a hidden gem in Alabama's coastal beauty.
Mitchell Bar
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Explore the vibrant underwater world of Mitchell Bar, a stunning reef in Alabama, where adventure and marine beauty await every visitor.
Upper Sister Bar
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Rifleman Bar
22.9 km
Experience the heart of Alabama at Rifleman Bar - a cozy retreat for drinks, stories, and local culture.
Middle Sister Bar
26.9 km
Explore the serene beauty of Middle Sister Bar in Alabama, a stunning reef destination perfect for adventure and relaxation.
Providence Bar
27.2 km
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Upper Portland Bar
29.4 km
Discover the serene beauty of Upper Portland Bar in Alabama, a perfect retreat for relaxation and local flavor amidst stunning landscapes.