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Central High Museum: A Pivotal Civil Rights Landmark

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Explore the pivotal story of the Little Rock Nine and the desegregation of Central High School at this National Historic Site.

Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, the Central High Museum stands as a powerful reminder of the 1957 desegregation crisis at Central High School. The museum chronicles the events surrounding the integration of nine African-American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, into the previously all-white school, a pivotal moment in the American Civil Rights Movement.

A brief summary to Central High Museum

  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Eve
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Know before you go

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

  • Visit during the weekdays to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more personal experience.
  • Check the museum's schedule for special events or lectures that might enhance your visit.
  • Take advantage of the ranger-led guided tours for a deeper understanding of the exhibits and their significance.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are near downtown Little Rock, start near the Old State House Museum. Walk east on W Markham St towards the Arkansas River. Turn left onto Main Street and cross the Main Street Bridge into North Little Rock. Continue onto W 7th St for about 0.5 miles. Turn left onto W Daisy L Gatson Bates Drive and walk for another 0.3 miles. The Central High Museum will be on your left at 2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr. Walking across the bridge is free.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown North Little Rock, head to the nearest bus stop and catch the Metro Streetcar heading towards Little Rock. Ride the streetcar for approximately 15 minutes and get off at the 'Central High School' stop. From there, walk west on W 7th Street for about 0.5 miles until you reach the intersection with W Daisy L Gatson Bates Drive. Turn left onto W Daisy L Gatson Bates Drive and continue walking for about 0.3 miles. The Central High Museum will be on your left. A single fare on the streetcar is $1.25.

  • Driving

    If you are driving to Central High Museum, get onto I-30 N from your location in Central Arkansas. Follow I-30 N for approximately 3 miles and take exit 141B for I-630 W toward Little Rock. Continue on I-630 W for about 4 miles. Take exit 2A for Broadway St. Turn right onto Broadway St (AR-365 N) and continue for about 1 mile. Turn left onto W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr. The museum will be on your left at 2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202. Free parking is available at the Visitor Center. Traffic/parking can be congested on school days between 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Discover more about Central High Museum

The Central High Museum, situated in the historic Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, serves as a poignant testament to the struggle for civil rights in the United States. As a National Historic Site, operated by the National Park Service, the museum offers visitors an immersive and educational experience centered around the events of 1957, when nine African-American students, the Little Rock Nine, bravely integrated the previously segregated Central High School.The museum's exhibits feature a range of artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the desegregation crisis and its aftermath. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations provide context to the historical events, highlighting the courage and resilience of the Little Rock Nine in the face of intense opposition. Visitors can explore the converted Mobil/Magnolia gas station across the street from the school, where reporters set up camp to watch the conflict unfold.The Central High Museum not only commemorates a landmark event in civil rights history but also serves as an educational resource for understanding the broader context of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The museum's blend of historic preservation and modern educational techniques offers a thought-provoking and inspiring experience for visitors of all backgrounds.

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