National Voting Rights Museum and Institute: A Testament to Courage

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Explore the pivotal history of the Voting Rights Movement at this essential Selma museum, honoring brave activists and inspiring change.

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National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

Located in Selma, Alabama, near the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute stands as a cornerstone of American Civil Rights history. It commemorates the courageous activists who fought for voting rights, particularly for African Americans, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality.

A brief summary to National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

6 US-80 East, Selma, Alabama, 36701, US
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Monday 10 am-4 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

Allow ample time (2-3 hours) to fully experience the museum's exhibits and absorb the historical information.
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and have a more intimate experience.
Check the museum's website for information on special events, workshops, and guided tours.
Combine your visit with a walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to fully appreciate the historical context.

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Getting There

Walking

If you are already in downtown Selma, near landmarks like the Edmund Pettus Bridge or the St. James Hotel, the museum is easily accessible by foot. Head east on US-80 (also known as Broad Street) for a few blocks. The museum will be on your right. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes from the downtown area.
Driving

If driving from outside of Selma, follow signs for US-80 East. Once you enter Selma, continue on US-80 East (Broad Street). The museum will be on the right side of the road. Parking is available in the vicinity, either on the street or in nearby lots. Parking costs are typically free. Be mindful of local parking regulations.

Discover more about National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, established in 1991 and opened in 1993, serves as a permanent memorial to the struggle for voting rights in America. Founded by Faya Ora Rose Touré and Marie Foster, the museum pays homage to the brave civil rights supporters who faced immense adversity to secure the right to vote for African Americans. Located near the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of the brutal 'Bloody Sunday' attack in 1965, the museum offers a powerful and immersive experience. Its mission is to collect, exhibit, interpret, and document images and artifacts related to the history of Selma, the Voting Rights struggle, Voting Rights in America, and the broader Civil Rights Movement. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits featuring rare photographs, video displays, documents, and personal artifacts from the voting rights campaign. The 'Footprints to Freedom' gallery showcases molded cast-footprints of activists who participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches, while the Marie Foster Room displays voting records and clothing worn by those beaten during the march. The museum also features a Women's Suffrage Room, highlighting the contributions of African American women to securing voting rights for half the population. The museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it's a place where visitors can reflect on the past, engage with the present, and consider the future of voting rights in America. It serves as a reminder that the fight for equality is not yet over and that continued vigilance is necessary to protect the rights of all citizens.