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National Voting Rights Museum and Institute: A Testament to Courage

Explore the pivotal history of the Voting Rights Movement at this essential Selma museum, honoring the brave activists who fought for equality.

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Located in Selma, Alabama, the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute stands as a permanent memorial to the courageous individuals who fought for voting rights for disenfranchised Americans. The museum chronicles the events leading up to the Selma to Montgomery marches and the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

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.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute is located at 6 US-80 East, a short walk from many downtown Selma attractions. If you are near the Edmund Pettus Bridge or the Selma Interpretive Center, simply walk east along US-80 Business (also known as Broad Street) towards the bridge. The museum is located at the foot of the bridge on the right-hand side. This is a free and easily accessible option for those already in the immediate downtown area.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in Selma, a taxi or ride-share service (like Uber or Lyft) provides a convenient way to reach the museum. A ride from the St. James Hotel, located in downtown Selma, would typically cost around $5 - $10, depending on demand and specific route. Be sure to confirm the fare before starting your trip.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 6 US-80 East, Selma, AL 36701. The museum is located right off Broad Street (US-80). Limited street parking is available near the museum. Additional parking can be found in public lots within a few blocks of the museum. Parking fees in these lots typically range from $1-2 per hour.

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Discover more about National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, situated at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, is a cornerstone of American Civil Rights history. Established in 1991 and opened in 1993, the museum serves as a powerful and immersive experience, educating visitors about the struggle for voting rights, particularly for African Americans. The museum's mission is to collect, exhibit, interpret, and document images and artifacts related to the history of Selma, the Voting Rights struggle, Voting Rights in America, and the broader Civil Rights Movement. Founded by Faya Ora Rose Touré and Marie Foster, the museum pays homage to the civil rights supporters who endured hatred, bigotry, violence, and even death to secure the right to vote for African Americans. Inside, visitors will find rare photographs, video exhibits, documents, personal notes, and artifacts from the struggle. The "Footprints to Freedom" gallery features molded cast-footprints of some of the activists who participated in the March on Selma in 1965. The Marie Foster Room includes exhibits about local residents and national leaders who took part in the demonstrations. The Women's Suffrage Room highlights the contributions of African American women who secured voting rights for half the population. The Living History Exhibit is dedicated to those who participated in the voting rights activity in Alabama, while an "I Was There" wall exhibit allows visitors to contribute historical notes. The museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it is a place where visitors can reflect on the past, engage with the present, and consider the future of voting rights in America. It serves as a reminder that the struggle for equality is not yet over and that continued vigilance is necessary to protect the rights of all citizens.

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