Dexter Parsonage Museum: Home to History

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Explore the meticulously preserved home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Montgomery, AL, and walk in the footsteps of a civil rights icon.

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Dexter Parsonage Museum

Step back in time at the Dexter Parsonage Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, the former home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family from 1954 to 1960. This meticulously preserved house offers a glimpse into their daily lives during the Civil Rights Movement, featuring original furnishings and exhibits detailing pivotal events.

A brief summary to Dexter Parsonage Museum

309 S Jackson St, Montgomery, Alabama, 36104, US
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Friday 12 pm-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Dexter Parsonage Museum.

Check the museum's website for updated hours and tour schedules, as they may vary.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a thorough tour and exploration of the museum, interpretive center, and reflection garden.
Consider combining your visit with a trip to the nearby Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church for a more complete historical experience.
Photography is allowed, but be respectful of the space and the historical significance of the artifacts.

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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 east on Dexter Avenue toward Bainbridge Street. Turn right onto S Jackson Street. Walk approximately four blocks south. The Dexter Parsonage Museum will be on your left. 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 the MATS website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. A single ride fare is typically $1.25.
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 Montgomery. 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 $3. Metered street parking costs around $1 per hour.

Discover more about Dexter Parsonage Museum

The Dexter Parsonage Museum, located in the heart of Montgomery, Alabama, stands as a poignant reminder of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Situated at 309 S Jackson St, this historic house served as the home for Dr. King, his wife Coretta Scott King, and their young family during his impactful leadership as pastor of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church from 1954 to 1960.Built in 1912 in the Centennial Hill neighborhood, a thriving middle- and upper-class African-American community, the two-story clapboard house was acquired by the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in 1919 to serve as its parsonage. The parsonage witnessed both the joys and the hardships of the King family as they navigated the turbulent waters of the Civil Rights Movement. It was here that Dr. King strategized, wrote, and found solace amidst the escalating tensions of the era.Visitors to the Dexter Parsonage Museum embark on a journey back in time, experiencing the home as it was when the Kings resided there. The rooms have been carefully restored to reflect the 1950s, furnished with many original pieces used by the King family. Walking through the living room, dining room, bedrooms, and Dr. King's study, one can almost feel the presence of this remarkable family and the weight of the challenges they faced. The museum's interpretive center provides valuable context, offering exhibits that detail 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.One of the most poignant aspects of the museum is the visible evidence of the violence and hatred the King family endured. In January 1956, during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the parsonage was bombed by white supremacists. The scars of the past are still visible, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dared to challenge the status quo. The King-Johns Garden for Reflection, located on the grounds, provides a serene space for contemplation and remembrance.