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    Rosa Parks Library & Museum

    4.6 (74 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

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    About the Cleveland Ave Time Machine Exhibit
    Karen V.

    It was a good visit. It's a museum that is affiliated with Troy University. It's located at their downtown campus, and was built on the site where Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man on the Cleveland Avenue bus. The museum is a great memorial to the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" as it continues to educate its visitors about the Montgomery Bus Boycott with historical artifacts and visual displays that make you feel as if you're actually witnessing history. As you enter the main building, you'll see the sculpture of Rosa Parks on the bus bench by Erik Blome. This is also where you pay for admission to both parts of the museum. You can visit just one, but it's recommended to see both. They all start at certain time intervals, so be aware of that. You start your self-guided tour at the Children's Wing where you enter the Cleveland Avenue Time Machine. It looks like the bus that Rosa Parks was riding on the day she was arrested, only it has a robot operator. It's basically a fun trip back in time that uses special effects and movie screens to show you the events starting with the onset of enforced racial segregation in the 1800s. You'll also learn about Dred Scott, Homer Plessy, Harriett Tubman, and Henry "Box" Brown. It starts when you enter the bus at the appropriate time. We were the only ones there on a weekday. There wasn't a whole lot of guidance in this building. I didn't even know there was a second floor, so I missed that part. We then went back to the main building for another timed exhibit. You enter a room and watch documentary footage of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Rosa Parks' arrest, as well as hear from some of the people behind the boycott using multi screens. The doors open up after the presentation, and you walk into a separate room that has a 1950's era bus similar to the Cleveland Avenue bus. The actual bus is at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn (near Detroit). What's cool is that you are witnessing the entire event (or reenactment of the bus ride) through special effects. This was the highlight of the visit. Another door opens up so that you can enter the main exhibit area. This is where you'll see historical artifacts such as the arrest records, court documents, and police reports. You'll also see exhibits of the backlash that African Americans faced during and after the boycott as white business owners retaliated. It's brutal. You'll definitely walk away with a better understanding of life in Montgomery during that time period, and the courage that brought about the positive changes that we continue to see each and every day. But, it doesn't stop there. You'll also see artwork exhibited in the museum. The most recent one is from Alana Enfinity. It's a beautiful exhibit that is very expressive and colorful. It's a must see when visiting Montgomery. It's a unique experience that shouldn't be missed. I just wish there were more people there on a weekday. I think I saw one other couple the entire time I was there. I'll leave you with one other very important piece of information. There are limited free parking lots nearby. There's a parking lot on Molton Street near the School of Nursing. Don't feed the meters.

    Front
    Barry S.

    This place is amazing. The staff are nice. You can choose to do one museum or you can choose two where you start on the children's side of the museum and get on a simulated bus ride and get additional information about African American history before Rosa Parks! I enjoyed this whole experience and I highly recommend this place to anyone. There's also a Rosa Parks statue around the corner near the fountain you should check out

    Betsy S.

    This is a must see. Everything in this museum is fantastic. So much to see, to listen to and to read. The museum is located across from the Troy campus. They have metered street parking right out front and within a reasonable walking distance. The site of the museum is significant because it is where Rosa Parks was arrested on a bus for not giving up her seat. It has a historical marker out front marking the location. It has a neat sculpture outside that can only be viewed directly, any other angles and you are looking at some posts in the group. There is also a very nice sculpture of Ms. Parks sitting alone in her seat on the bus. It makes for great photos. The museum is small and offers self guided tours. There are no pictures allowed in the main exhibit area. The tour begins in a small room with benches around it. You watch a movie about segregation in Montgomery, the bus system and the boycott. Once the movie is over, some doors open and leads you to the next area. The next area is a pretty neat reenactment of Rosa Parks being arrested on the bus. You view the action as if you are viewing it from outside of the bus. You are the pedestrian. It is very nice and really makes you feel like you are in the action. After the reenactment on the bus, some doors open up to a gallery that has exhibits, videos, artifacts, and pictures. You move at your own pace from this spot until the end of the tour. You will see a replica carpool vehicle over there, you will also hear stories told by people that were there during that time via videos and you will see a display of leaders riding the bus after the boycott ended. They give you the option of using your phone for an audio tour in a few sections of the museum. It provides you some information about what you are looking at. I did not use it because it seemed like more effort than what it was worth to me. Some type of push button audio kiosk would be perfect in its place. Anyway, as i mentioned, the exhibit area is not a very big area. We went through it in about 15 minutes.. The entire tour took us about 30 minutes. Even though thee is not a lot to it, it was still a nice visit and I learned a bit. It does a good job making you feel as if you are back during that time. No museum would be complete without a gift shop, this one is no exception. They have a small gift shop where you not only purchase you museum admission, but you can buy souvenirs like shirts or bags. This exhibit was so educational. You felt as if you were a part of it. I love that it is located on the historical site where the bus incident occurred. It is small, but still makes a great impact. It' is definitely worth a visit if you are in downtown Montgomery. I would recommend checking out some of the other nearby museums, like the Legacy Museum and Civil Rights Center to maximize your trip. Please make sure you see the Rosa Parks statue not that far away.

    Rosa Parks statue at the entrance of museum.
    Debra P.

    A must see! There is a lot of reading in the main museum so not very kid friendly but they do have a children's wing that would be more appropriate. The employees/volunteers were all so friendly. No pictures or videos allowed in the museum. It was an emotional and thought provoking impression to see the video re-enactment of the day the brave Rosa Parks finally took a stand. I think everyone should experience the reminder of this historic moment!

    Tank G.

    This Museum is located across from the Troy campus. It is co-located with a library that is only accesible to Troy students. They have metered street parking right out front and within a reasonable walking distance. The site of the museum is significant because it is where Rosa Parks was arrested on a bus for not giving up her seat. It has a historical marker out front marking the location. It has a neat sculpture outside that can only be viewed directly, any other angles and you are looking at some posts in the group. There is also a very nice sculpture of Ms. Parks sitting alone in her seat on the bus. It makes for great photos. The museum is small and offers self guided tours. There are no pictures allowed in the main exhibit area. The tour begins in a small room with benches around it. You watch a movie about segregation in Montgomery, the bus system and the boycott. Once the movie is over, some doors open and leads you to the next area. The next area is a pretty neat reenactment of Rosa Parks being arrested on the bus. You view the action as if you are viewing it from outside of the bus. It is very nice and really makes you feel like you are in the action. After the reenactment on the bus, some doors open up to a gallery that has exhibits, videos, artifacts, and pictures. You move at your own pace from this spot until the end of the tour. You will see a replica carpool vehicle over there, you will also hear stories told by people that were there during that time via videos and you will see a display of leaders riding the bus after the boycott ended. They give you the option of using your phone for an audio tour in a few sections of the museum. It provides you some information about what you are looking at. I did not use it because it seemed like more effort than what it was worth to me. Some type of push button audio kiosk would be perfect in its place. Anyway, as i mentioned, the exhibit area is not a very big area. We went through it in about 15 minutes.. The entire tour took us about 30 minutes. Even though thee is not a lot to it, it was still a nice visit and I learned a bit. It does a good job making you feel as if you are back during that time. No museum would be complete without a gift shop, this one is no exception. They have a small gift shop where you not only purchase you museum admission, but you can buy souvenirs like shirts or bags. All-in-all this a decent museum. I love that it is located on the historical site where the bus incident occurred. It is small, but still makes a great impact. It' is definitely worth a visit if you are in downtown Montgomery. I would recommend checking out some of the other nearby museums, like the Legacy Museum and Civil Rights Center to maximize your trip.

    Julio H.

    Such a historical figure... This museum is a very fun museum. Your visit starts with a brief video, only to be followed by an interactive exhibit. It is one of the coolest things I remember at a museum. It really charges you emotionally and creates an interest. After the initial exposition, you follow into another room where you free flow and explore at will. If you are not familiar at all with the Civil Rights movement, well, there are lots of reading to do on these displays. This is one of the better exhibits I have been to, and I truly think they should make it a traveling exhibit.

    Richard R.

    Meet Mr. Rivets, the robotic operator of a time machine bus that looks very similar to the buses used by the City of Montgomery during the bus boycott of 1955-56. __V__ | ~ ~ | | o o | Hi!!! { [---] } |______| You will find him in the Children's Annex of the Rosa Parks museum which features a historic time-jump to different dates using large screens on either side of the time machine and prerecorded narrating. On the second floor is a photo timeline of Civil Rights events and informational columns highlighting the important faces of the movement and their story. Back in the main building is a gift shop, exhibition art hall and a self guided tour highlighting the famous story of Rosa Louise McCauley Parks and her defiance to give up her seat on that faithful day. What I never knew about the history of this event was that it wasn't altogether random. Rosa Parks planned to do this with the help of other civil rights leaders so they could use it as a launching point for a federal case against the unconstitutional segregation laws in Alabama. It was only an idea, but Rosa fulfilled it when she found the opportunity, because it couldn't be staged. That takes nothing away from Rosa Parks. The danger of such defiance was deadly real, as witnessed by the Freedom Riders in the same era. Oddly, the case was not brought to court using Rosa. Instead they used the first person to actually defy the bus laws, young Claudette Colvin, whom was 15 and pregnant at the age of her arrest. Her arrest happened on March 2nd, 1955, a full 9 months before Rosa's arrest on December 1, 1955. The story is told using a full sized model of a Montgomery bus as you stand outside of the bus looking through the windows (which utilize TV screens). The bus is set in a room that looks like a small movie set with buildings, a faux street and streetlights. Here is a link to a Youtube video of this exhibit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h82ajl69iy0 OVERALL it is a great experience, especially when coupled with the other Civil Rights museums in the downtown area. Not far away from the RP Library the City of Montgomery is working to construct a park and monument @ the site of the famous bus stop where Rosa boarded. Not sure when it will be ready as digging was underway during our May 2019 visit. The Library is actually the location of the arrest. Both the Time Machine exhibit in the Children's Annex and the Bus Arrest exhibit in the main building are must see's when visiting Montgomery Alabama and the Freedom Trail. Come see the quiet unspoken life's work of a Civil Rights pioneer. 2019/82

    Replication of Ms Rosa Parks sitting on the bus
    Endora B.

    Always nice to know your history. If it had not been for her not giving up her seat on the bus no telling where we would be

    Carrie G.

    The coolest thing is that this is on site of where Rosa parks bus stop was! In the museum I loved that we could watch the situation as a pedestrian looking into the bus. I love museum that's make things as real as possible! We really learned a lot here!

    Katherine C.

    The introduction is excellent. The initial film to the actual bus and the interactive film of her arrest is a treat to watch. Its $7.50 for this half of history. The artwork and artifacts are excellent. There was free parking in the lot opposite corner of the museum. Although the metered parking was plentiful and cheap. Coins only though. The museum took about an hour at a leisurely pace.

    Paisley T.

    Well, 2 out of 2 exhibits were 'out of order' and so I didn't get to see the museum like normal. But still. I guess the bus time machine would be cool for grade school kiddos. I mean, the video was informative and all but the shaky bus was just a goofy distraction for me as an adult. And since the Rosa Parks hologram wasn't working I cannot comment on the most critical piece of the museum: The actual part about Rosa and the boycott. Oh well. On the other side, the room opened up but they had to turn the lights on in order to see the graphics and pictures. I basically just walked through and read the placards. Towards the back, when you walk through the larger exhibit pieces and follow the boycott timeline that's where it gets cool. They did a good job with the last section of your visit. Customer service was great at the front desk. But in the gift shop where you buy your tickets I felt like the lady was irritated that I bothered her with a question.

    Jon C.

    "This is so creepy. Hurry up" is the text that I got from my friend while making a slight detour and hitting the restroom instead of walking into the "time machine" immediately after paying $28 for two adults do to both the Children's Time Machine piece as well as the museum. When I walked through the doors, I saw what he was talking about. Inside a big room sat an over-sized replica of a bus surrounded by used computer parts and lights that were intended to make the place look like you were traveling back in time. I don't know if I would have called it creepy - but with him being the only person in the room, I can see why he wanted me to hurry up and get there so they could start. That's right.. it was just the two of us along for the trip through time. The feature started and Mr. Rivetts, our "bus driver" (which looked like the robot from the movie Short Circuit) took us on a trip through time starting in Cincinnati meeting a young boy named Jim Crow and ended up in the 1950's after being introduced to Mrs Parks. While definitely geared towards children, it was worthwhile to go through. There were TV's throughout the entire room and the walls became projection screens, so even if the room was packed with students on a field trip, everyone would be able to see. After going through the Children's part, our admission also got us into the 1955 and beyond part of the exhibit. A much smaller room was waiting on us with very few seats, but we sat down and watched interviews on three projectors and learned more about Rosa Parks specifically. After about 15 minutes of watching this, the automatic doors opened and we were outside on a street corner in 1955 watching and listening on the city bus when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. The rest of the tour was a self-guided walking tour of the bus boycott, church meetings, police reports and historic memorabilia. As I walked through the museum, I thought to myself many times "I can't believe this happened only 50 years ago!" Learning about this in the history books is one thing.. walking the streets of Montgomery and seeing it unfold on a likelike tour is something completely different. I'll always remember this trip and be thankful that I was able to do it.

    Bus in the children's museum.
    Loren K.

    As an educator I jump at the chance to learn about historical events so while in town visiting family I knew I had to stop at the museum. My first impression was that the staff was not very warm or welcoming. The tone of the 4 people that I encountered was not very helpful or patient. Once we got our tickets we went to the Children's Museum which consisted of a big noisy "bus ride" that played a video that took the rider through history up until the Rosa Parks incident. I found this part very overwhelming even as an adult. Back at the museum we watched another short film and then went into a room to watch a video reenactment of the night Rosa Parks was arrested. The museum has other paintings, photos, memorabilia, and artifacts that take you through the civil rights movement. I would say this is a "must do" while in town.

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    A must see! The displays and videos were amazing. I learned so much & wish everyone could go here. First class museum!

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    Ask the Community - Rosa Parks Library & Museum

    Review Highlights - Rosa Parks Library & Museum

    If you are not familiar at all with the Civil Rights movement, well, there are lots of reading to do on these displays.

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    The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration

    The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration

    4.8(184 reviews)
    0.4 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

    National Memorial for Peace and Justice

    National Memorial for Peace and Justice

    5.0(128 reviews)
    0.3 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)
    0.5 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)
    0.9 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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    Rosa Parks Library & Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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