The U.S. has many places where people can learn about American history.
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Family-Friendly Destinations Filled With U.S. Civil Rights History
Take your family on an epic field trip to explore U.S. civil rights history.
By Marcea Cazel
The Civil Rights Movement was a monumental period in the history of America. It helped transform the nation’s understanding of justice and equality, and it was driven by everyday people standing up and risking everything to ensure a better future. Contrary to popular belief, the Civil Rights Movement didn’t only occur in the South. It extended throughout the country, leaving its mark from Florida to Iowa, and beyond. Families can learn about the individuals and events of the movement by following the U.S. Civil Rights Trail or by hitting some highlights on and off the designated trail. Whether exploring museums or tracing the footsteps of civil rights heroes, you can visit these destinations that make history relatable and inspiring for visitors of all ages.
A sculpture titled 'United We Stand' at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan, one of the cities where African Americans settled during the Great Migration, is home to The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Originally founded in 1965 as the international Afro-American Museum, The Wright has both permanent and visiting exhibitions that tell the story of Black Americans, from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement to modern-day struggles for justice.
Home to the Harriet Tubman Museum Collection and the Blanche Coggin Underground Railroad Collection, The Wright Museum houses more than 35,000 artifacts and pieces that help provide a comprehensive overview of the rich African American legacy.
The Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex
Mims, Florida
On December 25, 1951, Harry and Harriette Moore celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. That same night, their home was bombed in Mims, Florida, killing them both. Educators in segregated schools, both were fired from their jobs for their activism. Harry was also a founder of the Brevard County chapter of the NAACP.
Today, the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex exists at the original site of their home. It includes a timeline of the Civil Rights Movement and hosts lectures, events and exhibits. Families can also take a bus tour that highlights locations central to the life of the Moore family.
Exterior of Ebenezer Baptist Church
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
Atlanta, Georgia
Easily the best-known civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born and raised in Atlanta and, after spending time working in Alabama, eventually made his way back home. Families can follow King and his family and learn more about his philosophies by exploring the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
Located in the Sweet Auburn section of Atlanta, the park consists of a visitor center, rose garden, historic fire station, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where King and his father preached, King’s childhood home and The King Center, which was founded by Coretta Scott King after her husband’s assassination. The park occupies almost 40 acres, so families should plan to spend several hours exploring and reflecting.
If visiting Atlanta, stop by the John Lewis and MLK Exhibits at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Families flying out of the busiest airport in the world should allocate a little extra time before leaving Atlanta to view two tributes to civil rights heroes who made the city their home.
On the east side of the atrium in the Domestic Terminal is a tribute to the late United States congressman, John Lewis. A Freedom Rider while in college, Lewis was also involved in the sit-ins in Nashville and the marches through Selma, Alabama, and was an organizer of the March on Washington.
The tribute area for Dr. King is in Concourse E. Focusing on key moments from his life, the display contains personal items and a replica of the Nobel Peace Prize he won in 1964.
The International Civil Rights Center & Museum
Greensboro, North Carolina
Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, the International Civil Rights Center & Museum allows families to learn more about the movement through exhibits and events. In 1960, four North Carolina Agricultural & Technical College students held a sit-in at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in the city. While not the first sit-in in the country, this one helped mobilize others to continue the non-violent form of protest. Today, the museum, located within the same Woolworth’s building, has a portion of the original lunch counter in its original location for visitors to observe.
The exterior of the newly renovated African American Museum of Iowa
African American Museum of Iowa
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Created to help teach about Black history in Iowa, the African American Museum of Iowa has exhibits and educational events for families of all ages. A permanent exhibit explores the journey of Black residents over the years, and rotating exhibits focus on various issues. The museum also has a virtual experience for those who want to learn more at home.
The Edmund Pettus Bridge crosses over the Alabama River
US CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL
Edmund Pettus Bridge
Selma, Alabama
Alabama contains more than 25% of the sites on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, and one of the most iconic is the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where three times civil rights activists attempted to walk across the bridge in a 54-mile march from Selma to Alabama’s capitol in Montgomery. Twice local law enforcement pushed the marchers back, the first violently in what became known as Bloody Sunday. With sidewalks on both sides of the bridge, families can safely re-enact the emotionally moving experience themselves.
Exhibits at the National Museum of African American Music
NATIONAL MUSUEM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC
National Museum of African American Music
Nashville, Tennessee
Get acquainted with the music popular during the Civil Rights Movement, while also giving your youngsters immersive musical experiences, like learning dance moves, participating in rap battles, producing an R&B song or singing with a gospel choir. Gospel, particularly the song “We Shall Overcome,” was a cornerstone of the civil rights community.
Exterior of Little Rock Central High School
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Little Rock, Arkansas
Sometimes being in a place with students helps bridge understanding. Such is the case at this still-active high school: In the fall of 1957, nine Black students arrived on campus to start school. The school had been all white, but federal law was requiring desegregation. The local government supported by white protesters tried to physically deny entry to the students, who became known as the Little Rock Nine. President Dwight D. Eisenhower intervened, and federal troops escorted the Little Rock Nine to school each day that year. This moment in U.S. history is interpreted at the visitor center and museum across from the high school—all part of the designated National Historic Site today.
These destinations allow families to connect personally and meaningfully with the civil rights movement and its legacy. By exploring these landmarks, visitors of all ages can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and courage that changed the course of history.
Plan your own visit to important Civil Rights landmarks by contacting a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent.
