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The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration

Explore America's history of racial injustice, from slavery to mass incarceration, through powerful exhibits and narratives in Montgomery, Alabama.

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Located in Montgomery, Alabama, The Legacy Museum unflinchingly explores the history of slavery and its enduring impact on American society, connecting the past to contemporary issues of racial injustice. Through immersive exhibits, first-person narratives, and historical artifacts, the museum offers a powerful and thought-provoking experience.

A brief summary to The Legacy Museum

Local tips

  • Allow at least 3-5 hours to fully experience the museum's exhibits and content.
  • Purchase tickets online in advance to ensure entry and timed admission.
  • Take advantage of the free shuttle service to visit the nearby National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park.
  • Consider starting your visit at the Legacy Museum before exploring the other Legacy Sites to experience the full historical narrative.
  • Utilize the free parking available at the Legacy Pavilion.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Montgomery locations like the Rosa Parks Museum or the Civil Rights Memorial, the Legacy Museum is an easy 10-15 minute walk. Head north on N Court Street. The museum will be on your left, look for the Legacy Pavilion, which houses the welcome center, ticket office, and free parking. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Montgomery Transit provides bus service to the Intermodal Transfer Center. From there, the Legacy Museum is a short walk. A single ride fare is $2.

  • Driving

    If driving, use GPS to navigate to 400 N Court St, Montgomery, AL 36104. Free parking is available at the Legacy Pavilion. From I-85, take exit 172 for Court Street and follow the signs. Note that parking can fill up quickly during peak hours.

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Discover more about The Legacy Museum

The Legacy Museum stands as a stark reminder of America's history of racial inequality, situated in Montgomery, Alabama, a city once central to the domestic slave trade. Located near a former slave auction site, the museum uses interactive media, first-person accounts, and data-rich exhibits to trace the legacy of slavery through the eras of Jim Crow, racial terror lynchings, and mass incarceration. The museum's exhibits confront visitors with the realities of slavery, featuring replicas of slave pens and narratives drawn from the experiences of enslaved people. Displays also cover the Reconstruction era, the rise of Jim Crow laws, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights. The museum connects historical injustices to contemporary issues such as police violence and the mass incarceration of African Americans. Founded by the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), the museum aims to promote a deeper understanding of racial inequality and economic injustice in America. A visit to the Legacy Museum is a powerful and emotional experience, encouraging reflection on the past and its implications for the present. Visitors can also explore Legacy Plaza, a 2.5-acre park next to the museum, and a memorial honoring victims of racial terror lynchings during the Reconstruction era.

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