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Dexter Parsonage Museum: Home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Visit the Dexter Parsonage Museum in Montgomery, AL, and walk in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to experience civil rights history firsthand.

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Step back in time and visit the Dexter Parsonage Museum, the former home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family from 1954 to 1960, during his time as pastor at the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. This carefully preserved house offers a glimpse into the life of the civil rights leader and the challenges he faced during the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement.

A brief summary to Dexter Parsonage Museum

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

Local tips

  • 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.
  • Consider combining your visit with a trip to the nearby Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church for a more complete historical experience.
  • Photography is allowed, but be respectful of the space and the historical significance of the artifacts.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Alabama State Capitol, head east on Dexter Avenue toward Bainbridge Street. Turn right onto S Jackson Street. Walk approximately four blocks south. The Dexter Parsonage Museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, from the Civil Rights Memorial, walk north on N Hull Street, turn right onto Washington Avenue, then turn left onto S Jackson Street. The Museum will be on your right after a few blocks.

  • Public Transport

    The Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS) provides bus service in the area. Check MATS schedules for the nearest bus stop to Dexter Avenue and Jackson Street. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the museum. A single ride fare is approximately $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montgomery. A ride from downtown Montgomery (e.g., near the Rosa Parks Museum) to the Dexter Parsonage Museum will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on demand and 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.

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Discover more about Dexter Parsonage Museum

The Dexter Parsonage Museum, located in the heart of Montgomery, Alabama, stands as a poignant reminder of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Situated at 309 S Jackson St, this historic house served as the home for Dr. King, his wife Coretta Scott King, and their young family during his impactful leadership at the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. Built in 1912 in the Centennial Hill neighborhood, a thriving middle- and upper-class African-American community, the two-story clapboard house was acquired by the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in 1919 to serve as its parsonage. 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. Many of the furnishings are original pieces used by the King family, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into their daily lives. Visitors can explore the various rooms, including the living room, dining room, bedrooms, and Dr. King's study. 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, provides a serene space for contemplation and remembrance. The scars of the past are still visible, including remnants of the 1956 bombing.

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