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    Dexter Parsonage Museum

    4.7 (36 reviews)

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    Sylvia A.

    Very informative and helpful information. The tour guide was excellent. She answered all questions. We saw a film and she explained and described all the photos on the walls inside. They don't allow photographs indoors but you can take as many as you like outside. They tour every hour and close for lunch for touring between 12 to 1 pm. Admission was $7.00 very reasonable rates. A lot of the furniture in Martin Luther king Jr house is the original. Now imagine that. So glad l had a chance to visit and would highly recommend.

    Julio H.

    As I was driving down the street, my co-pilot tells me, "that's the house, that's MLK's house, don't pass it!". I looked around, saw no signs or plaques, so I parked in the first driveway I found. Ironically, I was parking where MLK used to park his car. We walked to the main building and took the tour that takes you inside the house. The tour itself is pretty short. To be inside the house, with practically all the original furnishings, was pretty amazing. It was like a dream come true for me, or actually, more like a reverie. It was very exciting. To culminate, we were allowed to take a picture at the table were MLK had his epiphany, in which he decides to stand for justice, for peace, and to trust in God. I was just speechless.

    Paisley T.

    I found that interacting with tour guides and others was very rewarding. The tour guides share anecdotes and stories..and are very knowledgeable about Dr. MLK Jr and the civil rights movement. I was so thrilled that my tour guide stayed behind after the tour to talk to me. I think we talked for almost an hour reflecting on events that happened here and current events today. When you visit the museum just drive a few streets over and decide for yourself what 'progress' looks like. Just sayin. You start with a video and then tour the house. Altogether ..the home is very modest. And almost every fixture is exactly the original piece used by the Kings during their stay here decades ago. You can step over the spot where a bomb was projected on the front porch. You can stand in the kitchen where MLK had his great epiphany. You can see the Gandhi picture near his desk. Along the way, your tour guide brings the house alive. I'm going to tell you something about my personal experience here. This house is special. After I walked in and stepped towards the dining room table ...out of nowhere I had a feeling come over me that this house is a SPECIAL place. I wish I could explain what that looked and felt like. And you know what else? It was very peaceful. How fitting. Yep. I definitely believe Dr. MLK Jr. was certainly someone peaceful and special. This parsonage is an important piece of history. I feel like this museum merits more acclaim and attention than it gets. I guess that kind of humility is actually perfect here. When you go; open your mind.

    Melissa B.

    January 12, 2013, Tony and I visited Montgomery Alabama checking out all the historical sites and enjoying the city. It was a really nice warm and comfortable day, the weather was awesome and so clear..We enjoyed walking through town. After visiting the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, we visited the Parsonage home on Jackson Street. Just a few short blocks back. It was a really nice stroll from the church. Just think walking the same paths that the King family must have walked. Amazing experience! Brief history of the Parsonage: The Dexter Parsonage Museum, historic home to twelve pastors of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church from 1920-1992, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It was restored in 2003 by the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Foundation, Inc., under the direction of church members, acting as an Authentication Committee Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. -- 2:00 p.m If you visit Montgomery, check out this historical site and enjoy a walk through the lovely old city.

    Pumpkin C.

    Even though my family and I weren't able to look inside of Dr MLK's home during our visit, we were able to take a stroll through the neighborhood, not knowing that his neighbors were Ministers and helpers who served as haven for the freedom riders.

    Dee H.

    Come for the beautiful moments in history. Stay to watch Dr. Ms. Cherry entertain your crowd! Tours of the Dexter Parsonage Museum usually stick to a basic (and dated) video about the life and death of Martin Luther King, Jr. But we were in for a special treat! We were invited into MLK's Montgomery home (1954-1960) and given a walking tour through the property. Visitors can easily tell the painstaking effort to keep in period furniture and, more appropriately, the stress and strain of having to maintain a nonviolent movement in the face of considerable racist opposition. Granted, we were a very large group so different parts of the tour felt a little cramped. Nevertheless, Dr. Ms. Cherry was a most engaging speaker. She combined considerable insight and wit with a fresh touch of that Deep South Black grandma, don't you interrupt folks when they talkin'! A crowning moment of awesome happened when my bunk mate held open the door for Dr. Ms. Cherry when she came into the main house of the museum. She thanked his graciousness by letting him unlock the door to the MLK residence. Awesome! My most favorite part of the tour was in the kitchen. Dr. Ms. Cherry clapped a hand on my shoulder without warning, pulled me in, and told us to look at the kitchen table. She explained that, unlike every other night, MLK put a vase full of artificial carnations on the table instead of roses because he was afraid he might be killed one night. That elicited a lot of tears from the crowd. To cap off the tour, we walked a few doors down to a resident who knew MLK and has been living on Jackson Street for over fifty years. She asked us all to walk on her porch and graciously shook hands and thanked us for the visit. This is every bit an endearing tour as there ever was one. It's hard to capture in words but your spirit will know it.

    The Ben Moore Hotel, located on the corner of Jackson and High Streets, in Montgomery, AL, was the site for meetings
    Jessica S.

    After touring the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, I headed to the parsonage a short drive away. There is plenty to see up and down the street so take the time to explore it and learn the history. The corner by the house is where MLK Jr. boarded the bus the day after the Montgomery Boycott ended! For nearly a year, buses were virtually empty in Montgomery. Boycott supporters walked to work--as many as eight miles a day--or they used a sophisticated system of carpools with volunteer drivers and dispatchers. Some took station-wagon "rolling taxis" donated by local churches. Montgomery City Lines lost between 30,000 and 40,000 bus fares each day during the boycott, but the company reluctantly desegregated its buses only after November 13, 1956, when the Supreme Court ruled Alabama's bus segregation laws unconstitutional. Long a home to African-American professionals, politicians and businessmen, South Jackson Street is in the heart of Centennial Hill, a neighborhood which developed in the 1870s. One block north at No. 309 is where MLK, Jr. lived. No. 341 was the home of John W. Jones, Lowndes County Senator in the Reconstruction legislature. Building on the NE corner was locally famous Grayson Candy Kitchen and on the SE corner is the former Ben Moore Hotel. Alabama State University is located at the south end of the street. My tour guide, Marguerite, who told me about the time she had swimming lessons with MLK Jr. They were both in their early 20's. I asked her what it was like growing up in a segregated world. She told me about the Morrison Cafeteria and how she always wanted to eat there but never could because she was black. Nearby was Oak Park, where they has a zoo. This was another place she never got to visit. She said she could hear the lion's roar and watch the white children giggling and playing. Dr. King became pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in September 1954. He led the Busy Boycott in 1955-56 as president of the Montgomery Improvement Association. Leaving Montgomery in 1960 he went on to national leadership in civil rights. This parsonage was built circa 1912 and served as the home for ministers of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. Well before the March on Washington. Or his "I have a Dream" speech. There was a defining moment for Martin Luther King, Jr. And it came past midnight, in the kitchen of this home located at 309 South Jackson Street. King was 27 years old, two years into his role as pastor of nearby Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. Over the past month, King had been leading the Montgomery bus boycott, a decision that set off a series of death threats delivered via mail and phone to his residence -- as many as 30 to 40 calls daily, often at night. Normally, King could put the phone down and go back to sleep. But one call, on the night of January 27, 1956, stood out. As King's wife, Coretta, and 10-week-old daughter, Yolanda, slept in the master bedroom nearby, the voice on the other end of the line said: "N, we're tired of your mess. And if you aren't out of this town in three days, we're going to blow up your house and blow your brains out." Shaken, King went to the kitchen, made himself a cup of coffee, but soon buried his face in his hands. He began to pray aloud: "Lord, I'm down here trying to do what's right ... But ... I must confess ... I'm losing my courage." King later explained what happened next: "I could hear an inner voice saying to me, 'Martin Luther, stand up for truth. Stand up for justice. Stand up for righteousness.'" MLK's fears ceased but the threats didn't. Several days later, around 9 p.m., a bomb exploded on the front steps of the house. No one inside was hurt. All these years later, though, traces of the bomb -- gnashes in concrete -- are still visible to the right of the front door. If you look at the previous picture, you'll notice the windows look different on the right side of the home compared to the rest of the house because of the bombing. After King had verified that his wife and daughter were unhurt, he addressed the angry crowd of African Americans outside. "Don't do anything panicky," he advised. "I did not start this boycott. I was asked by you to serve as your spokesman. I want it to be known the length and breadth of this land that if I am stopped, this movement will not stop." In February 1957, when King was alone in the parsonage with Morehouse College friend Bob Williams, something disturbed King. He told Williams they should leave the parsonage immediately. Several hours later, after the two men had gone to Williams' house, a bomb exploded outside the parsonage, crushing the front part of a house and shattering the windows of three parked taxis, injuring the drivers. At the empty parsonage, 12 sticks of dynamite lay on the front porch. Only a few days after the bombing, police arrested seven white men. Two of them admitted to the crime, but despite their signed confessions, they were acquitted by a jury.

    MAR2014
    Franklin M.

    Without the street signs we would have missed this place. We were sad to see that it was closed the day we went to visit.

    Suzanne S.

    Such an amazing part of our history. This home is quietly tucked back on a side street and honestly was not very busy. I drove right up and had the place to myself. It was like stepping back into the 60's again. Don't miss this home.

    Loving the history in Montgomery!
    Kelly K.

    Visiting this Museum is a MUST SEE if you are in the area. As I took a tour through the Dexter house, my life changed for the better. Dr. Shirley Cherry couldn't be more inspiring. I had goosebumps on my skin and tears in my eyes the entire tour. The experience of stepping back into the time of the civil rights movement in indescribable. Just go. Now.

    Sitting in the kitchen where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had all his fears and doubts comforted through prayer.
    K'lyn D.

    Dr. Shirley Cherry, Tour Director gave us the VIP treatment and taught us about love and equality and justice just as the legendary Dr. King. She is a wonderful tour guide, very passionate about teaching us civil rights history, but more importantly, she's a wonderful example of the agape love we should show one another.

    The House! xoxo

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    8 years ago

    Informative presentations, knowledgeable and friendly docents and history Everton should know!

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    13 years ago

    What an incredible experience. Ms, Cherry is an exceptional teacher and an amazing human being. The tour is a must.

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    Really enjoyed the museum a great reflection on history our tour guide was very informative and knowledgeable.

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    10 years ago

    Wow what a great experience! Cannot pass up this place during your time in Montgomery!!!

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    10 years ago

    My family and I went on an incredible tour of the home that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr lived in! You must go see this historic home.

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    10 years ago

    It was truly holy ground. Amazing morning. Touched my heart deeply. Please take the time to let this place touch yours.

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    Awesome tour, Dr. Cherry has a passion for teaching love and forgiveness. Well worth the visit!!!

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    Review Highlights - Dexter Parsonage Museum

    Tour Guide Dr Shirley Cherry will touch your heart and soul while filling your mind with amazing stories.

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    The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration

    The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration

    4.8(185 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    This is the most profound museum I have ever been to and I have been telling everyone that they…read morehave to go here. I had a chance to visit this museum twice this year, the first time to experience it myself and do some recon for planning a group trip, & the second time I hosted a group of about 25 people to visit. Truly a powerful experience. The interactive pieces and number of 1st hand accounts made it impactful. A few tips: -Eat right before going in since you don't want hunger to cut your trip early. I highly recommend eating at the restaurant in the museum which is Pannie-Georgie's. It's great southern food and they have small private rms for groups that worked well for us. -Note there's not many places to sit inside. To get a little break from reading yourself and standing, go check out the films that play in the circular small theaters throughout the museum. -All the museum staff standing around are also resources for you and your group if you are struggling with the content. It's also helpful that you can go in and out and take a breather outside. There's a nice park and a coffee/donut shop kiddie-corner to the museum for a break. The first time I was here, I stayed for about 3.5 hrs and couldn't go through it all since I like to read everything. The second time I was able to take in the art museum pieces that I missed my first time. You'll most likely need to visit this museum at least twice to soak it in. This a must-see museum and I suggest going here first before the sculpture garden and memorial to have more knowledge going into those. It helped me just be and experience the other legacy sites more.

    Every American should visit The Legacy Museum. Telling the story of slavery to mass incarceration,…read moreit powerfully tells the most whole story about the Black experience in the U.S.A. Here's our experience. 1) Tickets: Traveling in a group of 22, we easily got our tickets from the staff ahead of time. One QR code worked for our entire group. After going through security that's like airport security, we were inside the museum. 2) Museum: First of all, turn off your phones as no photos of videos are allowed. In a sacred space as this, respect the request. Take your time to read everything and watch every room. If the room is small, each wall duplicates the content to help with the flow. This isn't repeated in the larger rooms. Most rooms have a theater area, which is worth popping in. EJI videos are award-winning and worth your time. One of the strengths of the museum is leading with data. They powerfully show data that moves you toward action. As you end the museum, you'll go through an art gallery. On your way out, buy books in the bookstore to learn more. 3) Experience: It's a sobering museum, but one worth your time. Budget to spend 3-4 hours to take everything in. Afterwards, don't skip the nearby Legacy Park to reflect on what you witnessed and grieve the brutal story of America.

    Photos
    The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration - SCLC West Jefferson Chapter group

    SCLC West Jefferson Chapter group

    The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration - Pictures from the Civil Rights era

    Pictures from the Civil Rights era

    The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration - Right next to the fountain

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    Right next to the fountain

    Rosa Parks Library & Museum - Portrait of Rosa Parks

    Rosa Parks Library & Museum

    4.6(74 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    This is the best museum we have seen on our civil rights tour so far. Lots of movie clips…read moreintegrated with the exhibits so sitting alternates with standing and listening and watching alternates with reading. Take the Time machine ride in the children's wing first if you possibly can. And watch for references to all the women leading the movement that we often don't hear about.

    The absolute one thing I wanted to do when I found out I was going to be in the Montgomery region…read morewas to come to this museum. My heart broke when I was online looking at the surrounding areas and saw that this was (at that time) temporarily closed. Due to updating of exhibits with new technology. I was a bit down because of this because I have been obsessed with Rosa Parks since high school. I was just going to let it slide until I did a bit more researching while in the city. I went to their website and noticed that they were reopening on MLK Day...the day I was to leave to head back home. I started to hatch a plan to allow me to visit, I couldn't pass it up. With them opening up on MLK Day they were doing a special where you got half off admissions. Not that bad of a deal. There are two portions to this museum, the main exhibit and a children's portion of it. Both cost $7 and when I found out I was going to pay just $7 for both that day, I thought why not. But I will touch on this a bit later. DISCLAIMER: Don't be like me and take pictures, it is not allowed. Let me explain. When I came here I was in a rush, when I came inside I was asked if I was here for the museum or if I was here to use the restroom. They were allowing people gathering for the MLK Day parade outside use the restroom. I said that I was here for the museum. The guy working the host stand hurried me into the museum as a group just went in. Rushing me in since the start of the museum was a video presentation. With that, he did the honor system with me (yet again), told me to pay and opened the door and let me inside. With all the hurry of getting inside, I wasn't given time to read anything of the rules or be given a rundown or the rules. More on this a bit later in the review. Once you enter you are greeted by a replica of the Montgomery City Bus that Rosa Parks stood her ground on. The bus is equipped with video screens that fill in for the windows. This portion of the museum is totally immersive, as you watch the interaction taking place on the bus, hearing the overhead voice to fill in the gaps, watching the actors portraying the events, lights guiding your eyes to parts in the room to keep you in the moment (portions outside of the bus). Also, you will notice that you are on what is supposed to be a street. The street that this historic event takes place, once you figure this out you will notice you are technically standing in front of the theater, near a payphone. But you are immersed into it all that you don't realize it until the lights come up and guide you to the rest of the museum. Once out of this you then go through each and every moment that followed Ms. Parks action. Including MLK's entrance into the movement, the use of personal cars to help people get to work when boycotting the bus (and the targeting of the those given rides), The eventual end of the boycott, the continued progression of the Civil Rights Movement, and so on. All the while educating you. I wish I could have met Ms. Parks in person, this museum brought more information to light for me about her. This should be called a memorial on top of a museum and library. To touch base on the admission. The other portion of this is a children's based interaction and could be skipped by adults in you do not want to take this in. It is an interactive 'ride.' You enter the 'bus' and are driven through history. It is made to be an educational tool to teach children about segregation. The bus is meant to be a time machine that mashes up history a bit by having historical figures 'meet' and educate those on the ride. The bus does move and vibrate and there are flashing lights, it is interesting to experience, but not a must.

    Photos
    Rosa Parks Library & Museum - Inside

    Inside

    Rosa Parks Library & Museum
    Rosa Parks Library & Museum

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    National Memorial for Peace and Justice

    National Memorial for Peace and Justice

    5.0(128 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    There are some places you visit, and then there are places that stay with you. The National…read moreMemorial for Peace and Justice is one of those places. Opened in 2018 by the Equal Justice Initiative, this memorial honors more than 4,400 African American men, women, and children who were victims of racial terror lynchings between 1877 and 1950. It tells a story that is painful, sobering, and absolutely essential to confront. As you enter, the experience is quiet and intentional. Steel rectangular monuments are arranged by state and county, each engraved with the names of victims and the dates they were killed. At first, the columns stand at eye level. You can look directly at the names. But as you continue walking, the ground gradually slopes downward and the columns begin to rise above you. It is impossible not to understand the symbolism. The markers are roughly human-sized. As you descend and look upward, they resemble bodies suspended overhead. That realization hit me deeply. The weight of it -- the scale of it -- settles into your chest. It is heavy. It should be. Along the walls, detailed plaques explain the circumstances behind many of the lynchings. Some victims were murdered by mobs of hundreds or even thousands. Some were killed for reasons so trivial and unjust -- accusations, perceived slights, even something as simple as having a photograph of a white woman. You quickly realize how little it took, and how terrifying daily life must have been for Black Americans living under that constant threat of violence. Near the exit, there is a waterfall installation representing the countless undocumented lynchings -- lives lost that may never be fully known. It is a quiet but powerful reminder that even this memorial cannot capture the entire scope of the tragedy. Outside, each hanging monument is duplicated and laid flat across the grounds. This allows visitors to read each name more closely. I deeply appreciated this thoughtful design choice. Every name is treated with dignity and equality. As you walk among them, you may notice multiple names from the same county on the same date -- entire acts of mob violence frozen in steel. Further along, sculptures and signage from various states and counties acknowledge the history and efforts toward reconciliation. The Equal Justice Initiative encourages each county represented to claim its monument and publicly confront its history. Many have begun to do so. Many still have not. The memorial asks visitors to be respectful and to stay off the grass. There are restrooms available on site. Everything about the space is orderly, intentional, and reverent. This is not an easy place to visit. It is not meant to be. But it is profoundly important. If you are in Montgomery, this is a must-visit. It provides critical context for understanding why the end of slavery, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement were not just historical milestones -- but moral necessities born from immense suffering. I would give this memorial 10 out of 5 stars if I could. Go. Walk slowly. Read the names. Remember.

    One of three Legacy Sites (soon to be four with Montgomery Park opening in 2026), this one is a…read moremonument honoring the victims of racial terror lynching between the 1870s and 1950s in the U.S.A. Tickets can be ordered online for a very affordable price. Once inside, walk a mile path taking the time to read every sign and see the names of victims of the racial terror lynchings. Unlike the other two Legacy Sites, you can take photos and videos. Despite this, be respectful. It's sacred ground. After you go through the main monument, the path weaves through a sculpture park as well as duplicate permanent markers honoring the victims of racial terror lynchings across the country. The ticket price is very affordable. If you're moved, consider making a donation to support the work of EJI. They maintain the spaces not because of government grants, but because of the support of the people.

    Photos
    National Memorial for Peace and Justice
    National Memorial for Peace and Justice - Arise by Branly Cadet memorializing local community leaders and descendants of victims

    Arise by Branly Cadet memorializing local community leaders and descendants of victims

    National Memorial for Peace and Justice

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    Civil Rights Memorial Center

    Civil Rights Memorial Center

    4.5(35 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    Established in 1971
    Free estimates

    Parking here can be tricky. I was able to find some free street parking. There is metered street…read moreparking available as well within a reasonable walking distance. Outside you will find a waterfall running down a wall that has a quote from Martin Luther King. There is also a large circular black granite water table that has the names of 41 people killed (Martyrs) in the name of the civil rights struggle. It was designed by Maya Lin in 1989. In order to enter here you must have a must, submit to a temperature check and go through security screening. This is one of the few museum in the area that allows photos inside. The Center is very small. The first room that you come to is the The Martyr Room and features 74 people, that are known as "The Forgotten", and the 41 "Civil Rights Martyrs" that are listed on the memorial outside. Sadly, it is an extensive list and has Emmet Till, Martin Luther King, Medgar Evers, and other less notable names. The main section of the Center is the Apathy is Not an Option: Orientation Theater. It seats about 75 or so and is very nice. The movie that they play here is on a schedule and the timer is located in the previous room. It tells you when the next showing is. The movie is amazing and is a must see. It is well put together. I really loved it and am glad that I waited for it. The rest of the Center has pictures of people on the walls with phrases and/or personal stories on them It is titled The March Continues: Today's Activist. The Center's last area is the Wall of Justice: A Space of Reflection, a video wall with names falling down. You can put your name on the wall, by agreeing to a pledge. It does not stay there, so if you are going to get a picture of it then you better do it fast. You end you tour in the small gift shop that sells key chains, t-shirt, and pencils/pens, and pictures. It does not take long to make it through the center. I spent about 45 minutes here and that included watching the movie. There is not much to the Center, but is is still worth a visit if you are in the area and have time.

    I wouldn't call this a museum. Memorial center, as named, is appropriate…read more It is worthwhile as the staff are super nice and helpful, the film is informative, and it goes over personal accounts of those involved in the civil rights struggle. But that's about all that's here. This isn't in-depth; it took me less than an hour to complete my visit--but it's a good adjunct to the EJI museum and memorial. And near the freedom rides museum. Each museum is only five dollars, so you can see the EJI museum and memorial, the civil rights memorial center, and the freedom rides museum for 15 total dollars. Why not?

    Photos
    Civil Rights Memorial Center
    Civil Rights Memorial Center
    Civil Rights Memorial Center

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    Old Alabama Town

    Old Alabama Town

    4.0(9 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    So much history is simply demolished. Some cities, like Montgomery, have sites such as these that…read morereassemble these otherwise forgotten bits of bygone days. It's fun to ramble through these old buildings that are all quite well-preserved. If you have children, multiply the time you spend here by two or three or four.

    January 12, 2013, Tony and I did a self guided walking tour of Montgomery, Al. We had a great day…read more The weather was warm and lovely. We happened upon this 6 block historical section of old homes in Montgomery, Al. There are new homes here. Here is a brief history of the buildings: Tour the Authentic 19th Century Village Today There are no facades or newly constructed buildings here! Our 19th century village features completely authentic 19th and early 20th century homes and buildings that have been saved from demolition, carefully restored, and reopened to the public as a history museum. At Old Alabama Town, you will learn how early Americans of all backgrounds lived and worked in Central Alabama. History lives at Old Alabama Town, where six blocks of authentically restored 19th and early 20th century structures beckon you to step back in time to the days of one-room... Self-Guided Tours We offer self-guided tours Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last ticket is sold at 3 p.m., though visitors are free to explore until 4 p.m. Upon purchasing admission at the Old Alabama Town Reception Center, guests will receive a property map to guide them on their walking tour of our Living and Working Blocks. Visitors are free to explore at their own pace and leave and return throughout the day. Costumed interpreters are available on each block to answer questions. A fully guided tour of the Ordeman House is also included in general admission. Tours of the Ordeman House are available Monday-Friday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Ordeman tour times are subject to change without notice. Call 1-888-240-1850 on the day of your visit to confirm times.

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    Old Alabama Town
    Old Alabama Town
    Old Alabama Town - Outside of building

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    Outside of building

    Freedom Monument Park - Slave quarters, outside

    Freedom Monument Park

    4.8(8 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    I had visited the museum and memorial when they first opened and was blown away then. Now, the team…read morehas really built up a learning and honoring enterprise that everyone should visit. The sculpture garden and the boat ride to it are beautifully organized and provide space for reflection and learning at your own pace. Relying on the shuttles is your best bet to not have to back track. Make sure you know the shuttle schedule and routes ahead of time, though, so you don't get too delayed.

    Traveling the world, I've been to a sculpture park or two, but none as powerful as the Freedom…read moreMonument Park. Located along the Alabama River on land that was stolen from indigenous peoples and later used to enslave people, the park is sacred. Here's our experience. 1) Tickets: Our group got tickets to all three Legacy Sites online. All three tickets cost around $5 per person, an affordable place to make the sites accessible. Shuttles are offered between the three. We took the boat from the boat ramp to Freedom Monument Park, which takes around 15 minutes with a narrative playing about Montgomery as you sail through the water. 2) Experience: Turn off your phone (you can only take photos of the very first sculpture, National Monument to Freedom, and the reflection waterfall) and take your time. Plan to spend at least an hour if not two to read every plaque and gaze at the powerful art, large and small, along the path. To start, the path walks through the story of Indigenous peoples who were victim to oppression. It then transitions into the Black story in the U.S.A. with art, old slave quarters, and more. Some you can walk inside. Others you see from the distance. At the end, there's a giant monument listing the surnames of over 100,000 people included in the first census after emancipation. On either side of the monument are bowls of flowers to lay in the little stream in front of the grand monument. Afterwards, go inside the small center to use the restrooms, get water, or dive deeper into what you just witnessed.

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    Freedom Monument Park
    Freedom Monument Park
    Freedom Monument Park

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    Dexter Parsonage Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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