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Freedom Rides Museum: A Stand Against Segregation

Explore the history of the Civil Rights Movement at the Freedom Rides Museum, located in the heart of downtown Montgomery, Alabama.

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Housed in the historic Greyhound Bus Station, the Freedom Rides Museum in Montgomery, AL, commemorates the courageous activists who challenged segregation in 1961. Through exhibits and artifacts, visitors can explore the events and impact of the Freedom Rides on the Civil Rights Movement.

A brief summary to Freedom Rides Museum

  • Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-4 pm
  • Friday 11 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully experience the museum's exhibits and absorb the historical significance of the site.
  • Consider watching the PBS documentary "Freedom Riders" before your visit to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context.
  • Metered parking is available across the street from the museum, but it's free on Saturdays.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby civil rights landmarks, such as the Civil Rights Memorial and the Rosa Parks Museum, for a comprehensive experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Alabama State Capitol, walk south on N Union St towards Washington Ave. Turn right onto Washington Ave, then turn left onto S Court St. The Freedom Rides Museum will be on your right, adjacent to the Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Federal Courthouse. This is a straightforward walk through downtown Montgomery.

  • Driving

    From I-65, take Exit 172 (Clay Street). Stay straight on Dickerson Street. Take a left on Herron Street (which becomes Bibb Street). Turn right on Lee Street (which becomes Court Street). The Freedom Rides Museum is up the hill on the right. Metered parking is available directly across from the museum's entrance. Metered parking is free on Saturdays. Parking fees typically range from $1 to $5 per hour.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in downtown Montgomery. A ride from the Rosa Parks Museum to the Freedom Rides Museum would typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on demand.

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Discover more about Freedom Rides Museum

The Freedom Rides Museum, located in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, occupies the historic Greyhound Bus Station, a site forever etched in the annals of the Civil Rights Movement. In May 1961, a group of young activists, black and white, known as the Freedom Riders, embarked on a journey to challenge the deeply entrenched segregationist policies of the South. Their aim was to expose the injustice of segregation and force the federal government to enforce its own laws. On May 20, 1961, the Freedom Riders arrived at the Greyhound Bus Station, only to be met by a violent mob. The riders were brutally attacked, beaten, and left for dead. The events in Montgomery shocked the nation and drew the attention of the Kennedy administration, ultimately leading to federal intervention and the desegregation of interstate transportation. The Freedom Rides Museum stands as a tribute to these brave individuals. Housed in the meticulously restored Greyhound Bus Station, the museum preserves the building's original architecture and atmosphere. Exhibits tell the story of the Freedom Rides through photographs, quotes, and original artifacts, such as a replica of the Coca-Cola crate used to beat Congressman John Lewis. A restored 1961 Greyhound bus allows visitors to step aboard and imagine the challenges faced by the Freedom Riders. The museum also explores the broader context of the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting the role of ordinary citizens in challenging injustice and the importance of nonviolent resistance.

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