Vaughan Smitherman Museum
Vaughan-Smitherman Museum: A Window into Selma's Soul
Old Depot Museum: Selma's Story Hub
Explore Selma's vibrant history at the Old Depot Museum, from Native American artifacts to the Civil Rights Movement.
Housed in Selma's historic 1891 L&N Railroad Depot, the Old Depot Museum chronicles the city and Dallas County's history from prehistoric times through the Civil Rights Movement. Exhibits showcase artifacts and stories of the region's diverse cultures and pivotal moments.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Old Depot Museum
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
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Getting There
Walking
The Old Depot Museum is located at 4 Martin Luther King Street in downtown Selma. From the Edmund Pettus Bridge, head east on Water Avenue, then turn left onto Martin Luther King Street. The museum will be on your left. Walking from the bridge takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Public Transport
Selma has limited public transportation options. Check with the local visitor center for any available bus routes that may pass near the museum. Alternatively, ride-sharing services like Uber are available.
Taxi
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber provide a direct way to reach the Old Depot Museum from anywhere in Selma. A short taxi ride from the Edmund Pettus Bridge or downtown hotels typically costs around $5 - $10, depending on the distance and demand.
Local tips
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Check out the museum's exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement to learn about Selma's pivotal role in the struggle for voting rights.
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Explore the outdoor exhibits, including antique railcars and vintage firefighting equipment.
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Visit nearby historic sites such as the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the National Voting Rights Museum to deepen your understanding of Selma's history.
Discover more about Old Depot Museum
The Old Depot Museum, officially the Selma/Dallas County Museum of History and Archives, resides in the historic L&N Railroad Depot, a Romanesque Revival building dating back to 1891. This architectural gem, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands on the grounds of a former Confederate foundry.
The museum's exhibits span a wide range of historical periods, from prehistoric Native American artifacts to the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Visitors can explore Selma's role as the “Queen City of the Black Belt” through displays of local artifacts, documents, and photographs. Key exhibits highlight the Battle of Selma, the Selma-to-Montgomery marches, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Outside, visitors can view antique railcars, Selma's first fire bell in a Victorian Firehouse, a horse-drawn steam-powered fire pump, and an American LaFrance fire truck. The museum provides educational opportunities for the public and area schools, emphasizing the journey from slavery to voting rights for African Americans.
A brief summary to Old Depot Museum
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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More about Selma
Explore Selma, Alabama: A city steeped in history and resilience, offering a unique blend of cultural landmarks, outdoor adventures, and Southern charm.
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