Background

The Scottsboro Boys Museum: A Civil Rights Landmark

Explore the landmark Scottsboro Boys Museum, a powerful testament to civil rights history and the fight against racial injustice in Scottsboro, AL.

4.9

The Scottsboro Boys Museum in Scottsboro, Alabama, commemorates the lives of nine young African American men falsely accused of rape in 1931. The museum, located in the historic Joyce Chapel, explores the legacy of this pivotal case in American civil rights history.

A brief summary to The Scottsboro Boys Museum

  • Wednesday 10 am-2 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-2 pm
  • Friday 10 am-2 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website or call ahead for updated hours and any special events or guest speakers that may be taking place during your visit.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits and absorb the historical context of the Scottsboro Boys case.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Scottsboro Boys Memorial after your museum visit for a moment of reflection and remembrance.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The Scottsboro Boys Museum is located at 428 W Willow St in Scottsboro. If you are in the downtown area, such as near the Unclaimed Baggage Center or the Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center, the museum is within walking distance. From Unclaimed Baggage, walk west on E Willow St, then turn left onto W Willow St. The museum will be on your left. There is no admission fee.

  • Driving

    If driving from outside of Scottsboro, the museum is easily accessible from Highway 72. From Highway 72, turn onto Broad Street and proceed to Willow Street. Turn right onto Willow Street, and the museum will be on your right. Parking: The museum offers on-site accessible parking. Additional parking may be available on nearby streets. Parking is free.

Unlock the Best of The Scottsboro Boys Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The Scottsboro Boys Museum

The Scottsboro Boys Museum stands as a solemn reminder of racial injustice and a testament to the courage of nine young African American men whose lives were forever altered by false accusations. In 1931, these young men were accused of raping two white women aboard a train in northern Alabama, leading to a series of trials and legal battles that drew international attention. The museum, housed in the former Joyce Chapel United Methodist Church, the oldest surviving African American church in the county, serves as a place of remembrance, education, and reflection on this pivotal moment in American history. The museum's exhibits delve into the details of the case, exploring the social and political context of the Jim Crow South, American mythologies surrounding race and gender, and the legal complexities that unfolded. Visitors can view a timeline of events, examine trial recreations featuring key figures like Haywood Patterson and Victoria Price, and explore the cultural impact of the case through literature, film, and stage productions. One popular exhibit encourages visitors to draw comparisons between the Scottsboro Boys case and Harper Lee's novel, *To Kill a Mockingbird*. The Scottsboro Boys Museum is more than just a repository of historical artifacts; it is a place where visitors can confront the realities of racial prejudice and consider its ongoing impact on American society. The museum also highlights the positive actions of those who stood against racial oppression, regardless of color, creed, or origin. It stands as one of eight locations in Alabama on the United States National Civil Rights Trail.

Popular Experiences near The Scottsboro Boys Museum

Popular Hotels near The Scottsboro Boys Museum

Select Currency