national voting rights museum and institute

We planned to visit this museum on our trip to Selma but it appeared deserted and in a bad part of town so we did not stop.

I am so glad my friend & I went to the Voting Rights Museum, & its related Slavery & Civil War Museum. We were lucky to have been raised white in the north; I can't imagine how horrible it must have been to be treated so separately (& hardly equal). The slavery re-enactment by Sam Walker at the Slavery & Civil War Museum opened my eyes & sensations to the horrific capture, transport, auction & demeaning treatment of slaves. Would that "I am a Man" signs from the '68 Memphis garbage men's strike had appeared 400 years ago to the white captors in Africa! Sam & "living legend" Annie Pearl Avery (still a civil rights activist) were wonderful--telling us their experiences with the movement. I honor their courage & tenacity. God be with them to continue telling the story, & all the others who fought for the rights of black people in this country!

I found the layout of this museum quite confusing. They have some really good material, so with a bitOf re-organisation they would have a really good museum.

We visited this museum on May 29th. You can find the museum first street on the right when passing the Edmund Puttes Bridge coming from Selma. There is a parking in front of the museum. The museum is divided in different displays. It is not that big but still interesting.

This is run by people who are passionate about the subject and the museum. Although it may seem like the distant past it gives me a weird feeling that this was my parents' generation. The story of the civil rights movement in Selma is incredibly well told. This museum is so worth the trip I recommend it to anyone visiting Alabama.

We learned a lot about the march and the people involved. The staff was helpful and answered our questions.

The exhibits were mostly just photos taken during the civil rights marches. The lady at the museum had wonderful stories about the time of the marches. Wish the museum was as good as her stories. It is near and just north of the Pettus Bridge. A short stop does this one just fine

The museum is a great learning experience for people of all ages it walks you though the civil rights time period and mrs. bland really know her history so come to selma and walk though history the best time to visit is during bridge crossing jubilee weekend

this museum is just on the 'outside' (not downtown side) of the Pettus Bridge. It's not a terribly noticeable building but if you're looking for it you'll see it.The stories of the marches from Selma are fantastic, but I think this museum could do more to pull us in. It is primarily captioned photos and I am more the type of person who wants interactive displays. (there were a few displays though, just not primarily)

I visited this museum and found it to be very educational. There has been a lot of additional information display in the museum that I had not seen before, but knew that it existed . In 1969, upon returning to Selma after two (2) years in Vietnam, the museum did not exist, a car dealership was in the museum's present location. I think that all visitors should visiting the civil rights museum see the actual photos of the civil rights events that led to the 1964-1965 Voting Rights. Selma really would be a better tourist attraction, if the building which Dr. Martin L. King resided prior to Marching across the Edmond Pettus Bridge had been preserved. The building I am speaking of is HOTEL ALBERT. It was a magnificent hotel, but because Dr. King slept in it, the building was torn down beyond ground zero. Hotel Albert was in the exact location where the current Mayor's office is presently located. What a waste and total loss of income that was because of racism. The Wilby Movie was destroyed by fire and the movement participants did not set the building on fire, it was done by those that objected to ending segregation in Selma, the library current occupy that space. The Walton Theater was not destroyed during the 60's, it survived and is now once again a movie theater for all that wish to go and sit on the ground floor as opposed to the balcony. There is a lot of history in Selma that will not ever be placed in a history book. I am one of the original foot soldiers and a graduate of R. B. Hudson High School.

Situated in an inconspicuous location, this museum is at the same tie poignant, uplifting and sobering: poignant because I can identify with the stories of who the "foot soldiers" were; uplifting because how the action of a handful of individuals catalyzed the progress towards civil rights equality; sobering because there is still progress to be made. I would definitely come back. The historian - Sam I believe is his first name - is an invaluable resource. A must-see place for anyone interested in deepening his/her understanding of civics.

The best part of this museum was the guide who witnessed first-hand the struggles of the right to vote. This man also guided the slave museum across the bridge. He's a fascinating story teller. This is a must-see for civics classes.

Museum has moved to 6 Highway 80 East. Man directions are: coming into Selma on Highway 80 from Montgomery, when you see the "Welcome to Selma" sign the museum is on your direct left before the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Staff was friendly and helpful. Nice educational Institute.

In 1965 a courageous group of "Freedom Fighters" led by many young teenagers and adults took up the cause and found a common voice to be heard. Their cry was for the "Right to Vote". The museum was created by those you were there on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the early spring of 1965. It is a wonderful place to slow down and be educated. Listen to the words of those brave young people who stood up for change. Hear the stories of those that lived through history. Understand what happened on "Bloody Sunday " in Selma Alabama a long time ago. Most of the national attention has always focused on the arrival of Martin Luther King and the marches that followed, but there was more to learned. The museum shares the background and insights on what happened to lead up to the grand moments. You will never forget the first time you walk through this historical museum and feel the passion of those who cared enough to stand up and be counted.We will return again some day....

Very thorough and interesting exhibits about civil rights, including local details about Selma as well as discussion of civil rights events in other communities.