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Dexter Parsonage Museum, Coosa Valley Travel Guide

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Explore the home of Martin Luther King Jr. & a pivotal landmark of the Civil Rights Movement in Montgomery, Alabama. Tours available.

Step back in time at the Dexter Parsonage Museum, the former home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from 1954 to 1960, and a pivotal site in the Civil Rights Movement in Montgomery, Alabama. This meticulously preserved house offers a glimpse into his life, family, and the strategies that shaped the fight for equality.

A brief summary to Dexter Parsonage Museum

  • Friday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Dexter Parsonage Museum.

  • Check the museum's website for updated hours and tour schedules, as they may vary.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a thorough tour and exploration of the museum, interpretive center, and reflection garden.
  • Consider combining your visit with a trip to the nearby Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church for a more complete historical experience.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Dexter Parsonage Museum is located within walking distance of several historical sites in downtown Montgomery. From the Alabama State Capitol, head east on Dexter Avenue toward Bainbridge Street. Turn right onto S Jackson Street and walk approximately four blocks south. The Dexter Parsonage Museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available throughout downtown Montgomery. A short ride from other downtown locations, such as the Rosa Parks Museum or the Civil Rights Memorial, should cost between $8-$15. A ride from the Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) to the Dexter Parsonage Museum will cost approximately $20-$30 and take around 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 309 S Jackson St, Montgomery, AL 36104. From I-85, take the Union Street exit and follow signs for downtown Montgomery. Turn onto High Street, then left onto S Jackson Street. From I-65, take the Clay Street exit, which becomes Herron Street, then Bibb Street, and finally Madison Avenue. Turn right onto S Jackson Street. Limited street parking is available near the museum. Several parking lots are located within a few blocks, with hourly rates typically ranging from $1 to $2 per hour.

Discover more about Dexter Parsonage Museum

The Dexter Parsonage Museum, located in the heart of Montgomery, Alabama, stands as a powerful testament to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the American Civil Rights Movement. Situated at 309 S Jackson Street, this historic house served as the home for Dr. King, his wife Coretta Scott King, and their young family during his impactful leadership as pastor of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church from 1954 to 1960.Built in 1912, the two-story clapboard house was purchased by the church in 1919 to serve as a residence for its pastors. The parsonage witnessed both the joys and the hardships of the King family as they navigated the turbulent waters of the Civil Rights Movement. It was here that Dr. King strategized, wrote, and found solace amidst the escalating tensions of the era. The house has been carefully restored to reflect the period when the King family lived there, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of the era.Visitors can explore the various rooms, including the living room, dining room, bedrooms, and Dr. King's study, each furnished with period pieces, many of which were actually used by the King family. These personal touches offer an intimate glimpse into their daily lives and provide a tangible connection to the past. The adjacent Interpretive Center features exhibits that chronicle the events of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the role of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in the movement, and the lives of the twelve pastors who resided in the parsonage from 1920 to 1992. The King-Johns Garden for Reflection, located on the grounds of the museum, provides a serene space for contemplation and remembrance.The scars of the past are still visible at the Dexter Parsonage Museum. Visitors can see the remnants of the 1956 bombing, a stark reminder of the hatred and violence that Dr. King and his family endured. The museum's exhibits and programs are designed to educate and inspire, encouraging visitors to reflect on the importance of equality, justice, and nonviolence in today's world.

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