Documenting Civil Rights & Segregation - Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Smithsonian affiliated Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a museum with exhibits tracing the journey of the civil rights advocates of the 1950s and 60s, who changed the course of American history. It depicts life in the struggle for equality for Black Americans, from the Jim Crow laws in the 1800s to the freedom rides, sit-ins and demonstrations. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is an opportunity to learn about history, justice, equality, human rights and a chance to connect with a defining chapter in American history.

Here is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

The exterior of the Cicil Rights Institute.

The Barriers Gallery displays: separate water fountains and segregated schools and buses reminding us that Birmingham was a city divided into two worlds in the early 20th century.

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This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

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The Civil Rights Movement: A Photographic History, 1954–68

By Kasher, Steven

The Civilian Rights Handguide: A Citizen's Guide to Navigating Police Encounters

By Lang, John

The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement

By McMahon, Sharon

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Comparing white to black schools

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Exhibits regarding black businesses.

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The Confrontation Gallery: Hear what was said behind closed doors during the Civil Rights era in flashbacks to the echoed voices of white and Black people living through these tumultuous times.

Displays of some of the legal actions taking place.

The Justice System for black people.

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The Bus Boycott, an unprecedented community-wide movement for equality, showing how one woman’s act of defiance made a global difference.

Honoring Rosa Parks

Part of the Freedom Riders exhibit.

The Movement Gallery: Relive the history of America’s Civil Rights Movement between 1955 - 1963 in four unique theatrical depictions of seminal moments including “Birmingham the World is Watching.”

MLK Jr. portrait

Some of the displays compare national event to what was happening in Birmingham.

The 16th Street Baptist Church, across the street from the Civil Rights Institute, was organized in 1873 as the First Colored Baptist Church of Birmingham. During the Civil Rights Movement the church served as and headquarters. In 1963, members of the Ku Klux Klan set off an explosion that killed 4 young girls and injured 22 others.

This display shows how different newspapers carried the 1963 KKK Birmingham church bombing story. The LA Times had the story on page 3; NY Times covered it on page 26; While the Birmingham News made it front page news.

Samples of questions asked to register to Black people to prevent them from voting during Jim Crowe in states like Alabama.

It was admitted by polling officials there were no right answers. When that was discovered votes were neither cast nor counted.

A visit here is an experience that can be both moving and inspiring, as it not only commemorates past struggles but also calls for to reflect on the importance of continuing the fight for racial equality in the United States today and in the future.

What you should know:

• On the street parking is available.

• Restrooms are available.

• Check website for days and hours of operations.

• You could spend up to a couple of hours here, depending on your level of interest.

• The museum is self-guided but does offer guided tours.

• Tickets can be purchased on-line or in person.

• The museum offers lectures, and special events often include talks by historians, authors, and activists, as well as interactive community programs.

Location: 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

For more information: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

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