ASU holds open house for Montgomery Civil Rights Interpretive Center

Montgomery National Civil Rights Interpretive Center, located on the campus of Alabama State University – Photo from WAKA Action 8 News

Alabama State University has held an open house for the Montgomery Civil Rights Interpretive Center on its campus.

The center is one of three on the National Park Service’s Civil Rights Trail. The others are in Selma and in Lowndes County, which is the route that the Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights marchers took in 1965 along U.S. Highway 80.

During the open house, guests had the opportunity to explore interpretive exhibits that highlight Montgomery’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and the struggle for voting rights, which led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act.

“It’s important because we remember those who gave their lives to ensure our democracy continues and what a beautiful opportunity to learn this history and learn about those people who sacrificed for voting rights,” Dr. Janice Franklin, the ASU Project Director told Action 8 News.

The center features educational displays, a documentary video and a small bookstore.

The National Civil Rights Trail was established by Congress in 1996 to commemorate the people, events and route of the 1965 march, which is also designated as a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road.

The Montgomery Interpretive Center is open Monday-Saturday from 9AM to 4:30PM.