civilrightsmuseum.org/

The National Civil Rights Museum at the historic Lorraine Motel in Memphis offers families an immersive and educational experience that delves into the history of the Civil Rights Movement. As the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the museum provides a poignant backdrop to explore the struggle for equality and justice in the United States. Families can begin their journey by visiting the preserved Lorraine Motel façade, including a view of Room 306, where Dr. King stayed. This solemn site serves as a powerful introduction, allowing parents and children to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and the significance of the Civil Rights Movement.

Inside the museum, the main exhibition guides visitors through key moments in the movement's history, from the transatlantic slave trade to the Jim Crow era and the rise of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Engaging, interactive exhibits like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Lunch Counter Sit-Ins allow families to step into history, with immersive displays that help younger visitors understand the courage and determination of those who fought for justice. Other exhibits, like the Memphis Sanitation Workers' Strike and the Freedom Riders, provide local and national perspectives on the fight for civil rights, highlighting the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens and leaders alike.

Beyond the historical exhibits, families can explore the Legacy Building, which delves into the investigation of Dr. King’s assassination and the ongoing struggle for human rights today. With interactive displays like the Voices of the Movement, the museum encourages visitors to consider how the civil rights fight continues in modern times. Families can also participate in educational programs, workshops, and special events that bring civil rights topics to life for children, making the museum not only a place of remembrance but also a springboard for important conversations about justice, equality, and activism.