The Jackson-Community House
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Dexter Parsonage Museum: Home to a Civil Rights Icon
Step back in time at the Dexter Parsonage Museum, the Montgomery home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement.
Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Dexter Parsonage Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. This preserved landmark of the Civil Rights Movement served as the home for Dr. King, his wife Coretta Scott King, and their family from 1954 to 1960. The museum offers a glimpse into their lives during a pivotal time in American history.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Dexter Parsonage Museum
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Friday
12 pm-4 pm
Saturday
10 am-4 pm
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Getting There
Walking
The Dexter Parsonage Museum is located within walking distance of several other historical sites in downtown Montgomery. From the Alabama State Capitol, head south on Dexter Avenue, then turn right onto Washington Avenue. Walk two blocks west, then turn left onto S Jackson Street. The museum will be on your right. 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
From the Montgomery Transfer Center, take the Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS) bus route that goes to the South Jackson Street stop. Check MATS schedules for specific routes and times. A single ride fare is $1.25.
Driving
If driving, navigate to 309 S Jackson St, Montgomery, AL 36104. From I-85, take the Union St exit and follow signs to downtown. 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.
Local tips
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Check the museum's website for updated hours and tour schedules.
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Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a thorough tour and exploration of the museum.
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Consider combining your visit with a trip to the nearby Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church for a more complete historical experience.
Discover more about Dexter Parsonage Museum
The Dexter Parsonage Museum, located at 309 S Jackson St in Montgomery, Alabama, is a significant historical landmark. It served as the residence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his wife Coretta Scott King, and their children from 1954 to 1960 while he was the pastor of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. This period coincided with the early years of the Civil Rights Movement, making the parsonage a central meeting place for civil rights leaders and a strategic center for planning important events.The two-story clapboard house, built in 1912, is located in the Centennial Hill neighborhood, which was a thriving African-American community. The church purchased the house in 1919 to use as a parsonage. The house has been meticulously restored to reflect its appearance during the King's residency, with much of the furniture being original pieces used by the family. Visitors can explore the living room, dining room, bedrooms, and Dr. King's study, gaining an intimate glimpse into their daily lives.The museum's interpretive center features exhibits detailing the history of the parsonage, the lives of the twelve pastors who resided there, and the significant events that transpired during Dr. King's time in Montgomery. The exhibits include photographs, documents, and artifacts that bring the stories of the past to life. Visitors can also see the scars of the 1956 bombing, a stark reminder of the violence and hatred endured by the King family. The King-Johns Garden for Reflection provides a serene space for contemplation and remembrance.
A brief summary to Dexter Parsonage Museum
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