Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham (must see)

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute offers a meaningful connection to the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. Visitors will learn more about the events that made up the Civil Rights Movement and the key figures who were involved. Some of the top celebrations at this museum include commemorations of Black History Month and Martin Luther King Day.

Many of the exhibits provide an in-depth look at life during the Civil Rights era, such as what a segregated city would have looked like during the 1950s. There is a replica of the bus that the Freedom Riders rode. You can also see the door from the jail cell that Martin Luther King occupied when he penned his famous letter.

One of the things that the museum has done is provide an archive of about 500 oral histories relating to this time in history. Hearing these first-hand accounts helps give a more personal perspective on these events. There is also an impressive archive of documents that you can access.

There are traveling exhibitions that you may have the opportunity to see while you're here. The Selma-to-Montgomery marches are popular exhibit subjects, as well as the Freedom Rides. There have also been exhibits related to the bombing at the 16th Street Baptist Church. There is an exhibit about the book Elder Grace as well.

In addition to these exhibits, you can also see collections relating to lesser-known subjects, like Deep South lesbian families. All of these exhibits tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement using many important voices. You'll gain an even greater appreciation for the sacrifices made during this time because of the exhibits.