National Civil Rights Museum

National Civil Rights Museum The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, assassination site of Dr.MLK
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A 501(c)3 organization, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the assassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., chronicles the American civil rights movement, examines today’s global civil and human rights issues, provokes thoughtful debate and serves as a catalyst for positive social change.

in 1863, enslaved Black people in Texas learned of their long-awaited freedom when Union troops arrived with news of t...
06/19/2026

in 1863, enslaved Black people in Texas learned of their long-awaited freedom when Union troops arrived with news of the end of slavery and the American Civil War.

Their resilience and hope continue to inspire Juneteenth celebrations today.

📸 courtesy of Austin History Center

Celebrate freedom, honor the journey. Our Juneteenth Collection from the National Civil Rights Museum gift shop is desig...
06/18/2026

Celebrate freedom, honor the journey. Our Juneteenth Collection from the National Civil Rights Museum gift shop is designed to tell the story of resilience, resistance, and joy.

Shop the collection in-store or online and carry the history forward.
https://shop.civilrightsmuseum.org/juneteenth/

in 1957, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the first major civil rights legisla...
06/18/2026

in 1957, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the first major civil rights legislation in decades.

The act established a Civil Rights Division within the Department of Justice and aimed to safeguard voting rights for all Americans, among other protections. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law three months later.

📸 courtesy of Library of Congress

06/17/2026

Juneteenth marks the day when the promise of freedom finally reached those who had been kept from it for far too long. From Galveston in 1865 to our communities today, it stands as a reminder that freedom delayed is not freedom denied—and that the work continues.

Join us for Juneteenth Community Day as we honor this history and the ongoing journey toward freedom, health, and opportunity for all. Explore powerful stories of resilience and liberation throughout the museum, connect with community partners, and access free health screenings and educational resources focused on health equity.

From 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, enjoy free museum admission, family-friendly activities, an outdoor concert, food trucks, and more. The museum remains open until 6:00 pm.

Bring your family, your community, and spend Juneteenth with us as we remember the past, reflect on its lessons, and celebrate freedom in action.

Juneteenth commemorates the day freedom finally reached the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas—more than ...
06/16/2026

Juneteenth commemorates the day freedom finally reached the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

For generations, communities have honored Juneteenth through gathering, storytelling, education, and celebration. As we prepare for Juneteenth Community Day, we're reflecting on the history behind the holiday and the ongoing meaning of freedom today.

What does freedom mean to you? Share with us in the comment and at http://civilrightsmuseum.memfox.io/cztuah

Join us on June 19 as we commemorate Juneteenth through history, community, and conversation.

in 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. James Lawson, and Stokely Carmichael—together with members of SNCC, SCLC, CO...
06/15/2026

in 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. James Lawson, and Stokely Carmichael—together with members of SNCC, SCLC, CORE, and the MDFP—continued the March Against Fear into Grenada, MS, after James Meredith, who began the march, was shot and wounded.

That day, thanks to their efforts, more than 100 African Americans registered to vote.

in 1967, Thurgood Marshall became the first African American nominated to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. As a justic...
06/13/2026

in 1967, Thurgood Marshall became the first African American nominated to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. As a justice, he advanced landmark protections in civil rights and criminal procedure.

Earlier in his career as an attorney, he was part of the team that successfully argued in Brown v. Board of Education that “separate” was inherently unequal.

Black family reunions are more than cookouts and matching T‑shirts—they’re acts of resistance, remembrance, and joy. Fro...
06/13/2026

Black family reunions are more than cookouts and matching T‑shirts—they’re acts of resistance, remembrance, and joy.

From separation under slavery and Jim Crow to today’s cross‑country gatherings, Black families have fought to find one another, keep traditions alive, and pass on stories that history tried to erase.

Swipe through to explore how Black family reunions became powerful spaces of healing, organizing, and celebration—and why they still matter today. 🖤

Share your family's #1 family reunion tradition with us below!

in 1963, civil rights leader Medgar Evers was shot and killed at his home by a Klansman. Evers, who worked closely wit...
06/12/2026

in 1963, civil rights leader Medgar Evers was shot and killed at his home by a Klansman.

Evers, who worked closely with James Meredith during the integration of the University of Mississippi, championed economic justice, equal voting rights, and educational opportunity across Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement.

📸 coutsey of Brittanica

What brings you joy!? Join us all day on Friday, June 12, as we celebrate the opening of Black Joy, In Spite Of… in the ...
06/11/2026

What brings you joy!?

Join us all day on Friday, June 12, as we celebrate the opening of Black Joy, In Spite Of… in the State of Tennessee Gallery at the National Civil Rights Museum.

Organized by the Frist Art Museum and guest curated by Brigette Janea Jones, the exhibition brings together historical photographs and contemporary artworks that explore joy, resilience, creativity, and self-determination across generations of Black Tennesseans.

Throughout the day, visitors can experience curator tours with Brigette, contribute to our Black Joy Community Playlist, create artwork inspired by featured artist TC, and enjoy a special DJ set by South Memphis Jeff.

We're also excited to welcome and hear from featured artists and contributors, including Chase Williamson and Ashley Mintz as we celebrate the opening of this beautiful exhibition. See you there!

🎟️ included with Museum Admission
đź“Ť National Civil Rights Museum, TN Gallery
đź“… Opening Day Activities June 12 (exhibit displayed until August 14)
🎤 Curator tour with Brigette Jones, 12 pm/2 pm
🎧 DJ Set, 3 pm

Address

450 Mulberry Street
Memphis, TN
38103

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19015219699

Website

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