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Lowndes Interpretive Center: A Pivotal Civil Rights Landmark

Explore Lowndes Interpretive Center: a key landmark on the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, honoring the Voting Rights Movement.

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The Lowndes Interpretive Center, part of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, stands as a crucial monument to the Voting Rights Movement. Located in Lowndes County, Alabama, it highlights the county's significant, often overlooked, role in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March and the struggles for voting rights.

A brief summary to Lowndes Interpretive Center of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

  • Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit other sites along the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail for a comprehensive experience.
  • Check the National Park Service website for any alerts or closures before your visit.
  • The museum exhibits are designed to be self-guided.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Lowndes Interpretive Center is located on US Highway 80, approximately 25 miles west of Montgomery and about 50 miles east of Selma. From Montgomery, take US-80 W. The center is well-signed and easily accessible directly from the highway. There are no tolls on this route.

  • Public Transport

    Limited public transportation options are available directly to the Lowndes Interpretive Center. West Alabama Public Transportation (WAPT) may offer services in the area, but it's best to check their schedules and routes in advance. A ride from Montgomery could cost approximately $5 - $15.

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Discover more about Lowndes Interpretive Center of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

The Lowndes Interpretive Center serves as a vital educational resource, chronicling Lowndes County's pivotal role in the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March. Often overshadowed by Selma and Montgomery, Lowndes County was a critical battleground where civil rights activists faced immense challenges and demonstrated unwavering courage. The center's exhibits vividly portray the events that unfolded, featuring interactive displays, historical photographs, and compelling narratives that bring to life the stories of marchers, local activists, and ordinary citizens who risked their lives to challenge the status quo. The center is dedicated to those who peacefully marched from Selma to Montgomery to gain the right to vote. It serves as a repository of information about the significant events that occurred in Lowndes County during the march. Exhibits interpret various events, including the confrontation of seminarian Jonathan Daniels, the slaying of Viola Liuzzo, and the establishment of "Tent City," which housed families evicted by white landowners for attempting to vote. Visitors can also view the film "Never Lose Sight of Freedom". Lowndes County in 1965 was a place where 86 white families owned 90 percent of the land and controlled the government. More than half of the county's African-American population lived below the poverty line, and not a single African American was registered to vote. The center not only commemorates the march itself but also provides context for the social and political climate of the time, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by African Americans in their fight for equality.

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