Background

Selma Interpretive Center: Gateway to Voting Rights History

Discover the starting point of the historic Selma to Montgomery march, a pivotal landmark in the Civil Rights Movement.

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The Selma Interpretive Center serves as the welcome center for the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, commemorating the pivotal 1965 Voting Rights March. Though currently closed for expansion until 2028, it stands at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, symbolizing the struggle for voting rights.

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

Local tips

  • While the main center is under construction, visit the temporary visitor center at the Selma Welcome Center for information and resources.
  • Explore other nearby Civil Rights landmarks, such as the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Brown Chapel AME Church, and the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute.
  • Follow the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail to learn more about the march and its impact.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Selma Interpretive Center is located at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Broad Street. From most downtown Selma locations, including the National Voting Rights Museum, the center is easily accessible by foot. Walking from the museum takes about 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Broad Street in Selma. Limited street parking is available near the Selma Welcome Center. Parking is typically free, but availability may be limited during peak tourist seasons or commemorative events. Consider parking a block or two away and walking to avoid congestion.

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

The Selma Interpretive Center marks the beginning of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, a route that embodies the courageous fight for voting rights during the Civil Rights Movement. The center is located at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of the infamous 'Bloody Sunday'. On that day in 1965, peaceful marchers were brutally attacked while attempting to cross the bridge to protest for voting rights. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits, view videos, and learn about the events and people that shaped the Selma to Montgomery marches. The center also features a bookstore with materials about the trail and the broader Civil Rights Movement. The Selma Interpretive Center opened on March 2, 2011. Although the main center is currently closed for major construction with expected completion in 2028, a temporary visitor center is located at the Selma Welcome Center at 14 Broad Street. When completed, there will be three interpretative centers along the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. The Lowndes Interpretive Center is located in White Hall, midway between Selma and Montgomery. The Montgomery Interpretive Center is on the campus of Alabama State University.

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