Background

Lowndes Interpretive Center: A Civil Rights Journey

Explore the pivotal role of Lowndes County in the Civil Rights Movement at this immersive interpretive center on the historic Selma to Montgomery Trail.

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The Lowndes Interpretive Center, located in Hayneville, Alabama, is part of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. It offers an immersive experience into the events that shaped the Voting Rights Movement, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for equality during the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march [3, 13, 17].

A brief summary to Lowndes Interpretive Center

  • Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the official NPS website for updated hours and possible closures before visiting.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the exhibits and film.
  • Read about the events and people involved in the Selma to Montgomery march beforehand to enhance your visit.
  • Consider visiting other nearby Civil Rights landmarks in Selma and Montgomery to gain a broader understanding of the movement [17, 21].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Lowndes Interpretive Center is located at 7002 US-80, Hayneville, AL 36040, on U.S. Highway 80, approximately halfway between Selma and Montgomery [13]. From either city, simply follow US-80 until you reach the center. There is ample free parking available on site [13].

  • Public Transportation

    While there is no direct public transportation to the Lowndes Interpretive Center, West Alabama Public Transportation (WAPT) provides transportation services in Lowndes County for a minimal fee [18]. Contact WAPT at (334) 548-6364 to inquire about their services and schedule [18]. Greyhound also contracts with WAPT to provide shuttle service [18]. Please contact WAPT for the Greyhound Shuttle schedule [18]. Keep in mind that you may need to arrange transportation to a central pick-up point in Hayneville [18].

  • Ride-Sharing

    Ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Hayneville, AL [5]. However, due to the center's location outside of the town center, wait times may be longer than usual [5]. Expect to pay around $20-$30 for a one-way trip from Hayneville, but prices may vary [5, 8].

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Discover more about Lowndes Interpretive Center

The Lowndes Interpretive Center stands as a powerful reminder of Lowndes County's pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement [3, 13, 17]. As part of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, this National Park Service facility commemorates the people, events, and route of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March [3, 6, 13, 22]. Opened in 2006, the center serves as a reservoir of information about the significant events that occurred in Lowndes County during the march [3, 6, 13]. The museum exhibits interpret various events, including the confrontation of seminarian Jonathan Daniels, the slaying of Viola Liuzzo, and the establishment of "Tent City" [3, 6, 13, 20]. Tent City was a temporary dwelling comprised of tents, cots, heaters, food and water that benefited families displaced by white landowners in Lowndes County [3, 6, 13, 20]. Visitors can view the film "Never Lose Sight of Freedom," which provides a comprehensive overview of the Selma to Montgomery March and its significance in American history [13]. The center's exhibits are designed to be accessible and informative, providing context to the struggles faced by African Americans during the 1960s, alongside personal accounts that bring the history to life [13]. Lowndes County's history is deeply intertwined with slavery and the Civil Rights Movement [4, 9, 11, 14]. By 1860, nearly 45% of Alabama's population were slaves, and slave plantation agriculture was the center of the Alabama economy [4, 11]. The Lowndes Interpretive Center ensures that these stories are not forgotten and that the sacrifices made in this county are recognized and honored [13].

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