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Dexter Parsonage Museum: Home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Step back in time at the Dexter Parsonage Museum, the former home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and explore the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

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The Dexter Parsonage Museum in Montgomery, AL, was the home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family from 1954 to 1960 while he served as pastor at the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. This carefully preserved house offers a glimpse into their lives during the Civil Rights Movement.

A brief summary to Dexter Parsonage Museum

  • Friday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical context and significance of the museum.
  • Allow at least one hour to explore the house and the exhibits in the Interpretive Center.
  • Visit the King-Johns Garden for Reflection for a moment of contemplation.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Dexter Parsonage Museum is within walking distance of several historical sites in downtown Montgomery. From the Alabama State Capitol, head east on Dexter Avenue toward Bainbridge Street, then turn right onto S Jackson Street. Walk approximately four blocks south; the museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 309 S Jackson St, Montgomery, AL 36104. From I-85, take the Union Street exit and follow signs for 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.

  • Public Transport

    Montgomery Transit (The M) provides public transportation in the city. Use the M's fixed-route buses or the on-demand micro-transit service to reach the museum. A single bus fare costs approximately $1.25. Check the Montgomery Transit website or app for routes and schedules.

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Discover more about Dexter Parsonage Museum

The Dexter Parsonage Museum, located at 309 S Jackson St in Montgomery, Alabama, is a historic house that served as the residence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his wife Coretta Scott King, and their children from 1954 to 1960. During this time, Dr. King was the pastor of the adjacent Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, and the parsonage became a center for strategizing and finding solace amidst the escalating tensions of the Civil Rights Movement. The two-story clapboard house, built in 1912, was purchased by the church in 1919 to serve as a residence for its pastors. It is located in the Centennial Hill neighborhood, known as a middle- and upper-class African-American community. The house has been meticulously restored to reflect its appearance during the King's residency, with many 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 also highlights the violence and hatred endured by the King family, including the visible remnants of the 1956 bombing. The adjacent Interpretive Center features exhibits that chronicle the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the role of the church in the movement, and the lives of the twelve pastors who resided in the parsonage from 1920 to 1992. The King-Johns Garden for Reflection provides a serene space for contemplation. The museum is a powerful reminder of the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing struggle for social justice.

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