Old Depot Museum, Selma Travel Guide

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Explore Selma's vibrant history, from Native American settlements to the Civil Rights Movement, at the Old Depot Museum.

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Old Depot Museum

Housed in Selma's historic 1891 L&N Railroad Depot, the Old Depot Museum chronicles the city and Dallas County's past, from prehistoric Native American settlements to the Civil Rights Movement. Its diverse collection offers a glimpse into the events that shaped the region.

A brief summary to Old Depot Museum

4 Martin Luther King St, Selma, Alabama, 36703, 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
Friday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Allow at least 1.5-2 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits.
Check out the outdoor exhibits, including the antique railcars and the Victorian firehouse.
Combine your visit with other nearby historic sites, such as the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the National Voting Rights Museum.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

Vaughan Smitherman Museum

Sturdivant Hall Museum

Edmund Pettus Bridge

Old Town Historic District

Explore Old Depot Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Old Depot Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Old Depot Museum is located downtown near the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the Selma Interpretive Center. From the intersection of Broad Street and Water Avenue, head east on Water Avenue, then turn left onto Martin Luther King Street. The museum will be on your left.
Taxi/Ride-Share

If arriving by taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft), request drop-off at the Selma Interpretive Center (2 Broad St) or the St. James Hotel (1200 Water Avenue). A short ride from the Greyhound bus station to the Old Depot Museum will typically cost around $8 - $12, depending on demand.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 4 Martin Luther King Street, Selma, AL 36703. Free parking is available along Water Avenue and the surrounding streets. Be aware of street parking regulations and time limits.

Discover more about Old Depot Museum

The Old Depot Museum, officially registered as the Selma/Dallas County Museum of History and Archives, resides within the walls of the former L&N Railroad Depot, a building that dates back to 1891. This red-brick, Romanesque Revival structure is more than just a building; it's a portal into the rich and complex history of Selma and Dallas County.The museum's collections span a wide range of eras, starting with artifacts from prehistoric Native American cultures that existed in the region long before European settlement. Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to the Civil War, a period during which Selma played a significant role as a Confederate manufacturing hub. The museum also sheds light on the Reconstruction era and the subsequent industrialization of the region.A significant portion of the museum is dedicated to Selma's role in the Civil Rights Movement. Exhibits highlight the events that took place in the city, including the Selma-to-Montgomery marches and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The museum serves as a repository for documents, artifacts, and photographs related to the events of "Bloody Sunday" and its aftermath, providing context for understanding the struggle for civil rights and Selma's current demographics.Outside the museum building, visitors can explore additional exhibits, including antique railcars and a Victorian firehouse displaying Selma's first fire bell, a horse-drawn steam-powered fire pump, and an American LaFrance fire truck.