National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis (must see)

The National Civil Rights Museum is located at the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968. It also includes the Canipe’s Amusement Store located next to the rooming house where James Earl Ray, the man who shot Dr. King, stayed and the Young and Morrow Building where Mr. Ray confessed. The museum officially opened in 1991.

The Lorraine Motel was one of the few comfortable places where black people could safely stay during segregation. The museum tells the history of the African American struggle from the 17th century to the present. In addition, police and evidence files from the assassination are on display.

Visitors can purchase civil rights-related materials at the museum bookstore.

In addition to serving as a civil rights museum, several rooms are available for seminars, meetings, or events. Room size varies, with the largest room accommodating up to 276 people.