Background

National Voting Rights Museum and Institute: A Testament to Courage

Explore the history of the Voting Rights Movement at this significant Selma museum, honoring the courageous activists who fought for equality.

4.6

The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma, Alabama, stands as a powerful memorial to the courageous activists who fought for voting rights, particularly for African Americans, during the Civil Rights Movement. Located near the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of the 'Bloody Sunday' attack in 1965, the museum offers an immersive experience into the events that led to the Voting Rights Act and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

A brief summary to National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the museum's exhibits and absorb the historical information.
  • Check the museum's website for information on special events, workshops, and guided tours.
  • Consider visiting the Edmund Pettus Bridge, a short distance from the museum, to further understand the context of the Selma to Montgomery marches.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The National Voting Rights Museum is located at 6 US-80 East in Selma. If you are already in downtown Selma, near landmarks like the Edmund Pettus Bridge or the St. James Hotel, the museum is easily accessible by foot. Head east on US-80 (also known as Broad Street) for a few blocks. The museum will be on your right. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes from the downtown area.

  • Driving

    If driving from outside of Selma, follow signs for US-80 East. Once you enter Selma, continue on US-80 East (Broad Street). The museum will be on the right side of the road. Parking is available in the vicinity, either on the street or in nearby lots. Parking costs are typically free. Be mindful of local parking regulations.

Unlock the Best of National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, established in 1991 and opened in 1993, serves as a permanent tribute to the struggle for voting rights in America. Founded by Faya Ora Rose Touré and Marie Foster, the museum collects, exhibits, and documents the images, artifacts, and testimonies of activists who participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches and the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. It also recognizes the contributions of those who worked for African-American voting rights and women's suffrage. The museum's exhibits include rare photographs, video displays, personal notes, and artifacts from the voting rights struggle. Highlights include the "Footprints to Freedom" gallery, featuring molded cast-footprints of activists who participated in the Selma march, and the Marie Foster Room, with exhibits about local residents and national leaders involved in the demonstrations. The museum also features a room where participants in the 1960s marches can leave personal messages and share their memories, creating a living history archive. The museum's mission extends beyond historical preservation to education and advocacy, supporting research forums, community conversations, and educational resources that address voting rights issues in America. It serves as a reminder that the fight for justice and democracy is a continuous process, with each generation facing its own barriers and challenges.

Popular Experiences near National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

Popular Hotels near National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

Select Currency