The Scottsboro Boys Museum

The Scottsboro Boys Museum A museum commemorating the lives and legacy of nine young African Americans who became symbols of race-based injustice in the American South.

07/20/2026

With just one month of summer remaining, we’re taking a moment to reflect on one of our favorite days of the season.

Juneteenth at the Scottsboro Boys Museum is a tradition we’ve proudly celebrated since 2010. Each year, it’s an opportunity to gather as a community through fellowship, celebration, and shared history; honoring how far we’ve come while continuing to learn from the past.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s celebration so meaningful. Here’s to carrying that spirit with us through the rest of the summer and beyond.

Today, we celebrate the life of Olen Montgomery.Known for his creativity and resilience, Olen learned to play the guitar...
07/12/2026

Today, we celebrate the life of Olen Montgomery.

Known for his creativity and resilience, Olen learned to play the guitar and began writing music during his years in prison, later composing a ballad inspired by the Scottsboro case. His story reminds us that even in life’s most difficult chapters, the human spirit has the ability to create, persevere, and leave a lasting legacy.

To honor his memory, we’ve restored these photographs using AI to add color and definition, offering a renewed glimpse into the life behind the history.

Happy Birthday, Olen. We remember you with gratitude and peace

photo credit: Marcel Flores

The Scottsboro Boys Museum will be closed this coming Saturday for the holiday 🎉 We are blessed as a country to reach 25...
06/30/2026

The Scottsboro Boys Museum will be closed this coming Saturday for the holiday 🎉 We are blessed as a country to reach 250 years of independence! We apologize for the inconvenience. Doors will reopen Wednesday at 10 AM

Wishing everyone a safe and fun weekend 🇺🇸

It’s never too late to celebrate freedom, community, and the progress we’ve made together.As we look ahead to the Fourth...
06/29/2026

It’s never too late to celebrate freedom, community, and the progress we’ve made together.

As we look ahead to the Fourth of July, we’re reminded that Juneteenth and Independence Day tell two chapters of the American story. One celebrates our nation’s founding, while the other marks the day freedom finally reached the last enslaved African Americans. Together, they invite us to reflect on how far our country has come and the ongoing pursuit of liberty, justice, and equality for all.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us this year. Together, we continue to preserve history, honor those who came before us, and inspire a brighter future for generations to come.

📸 photos 4,8 by Aaron Hall

The Sheila Washington Award honors individuals whose lives reflect the same spirit of service, leadership, and compassio...
06/24/2026

The Sheila Washington Award honors individuals whose lives reflect the same spirit of service, leadership, and compassion that defined our founder. Through her vision, Sheila Washington created more than a museum, she created a place where history could educate, inspire, and bring people together.

This year, we are honored to recognize Mary Abernathy! Her impact has reached generations throughout Jackson County and continues to shape lives today.

Take a moment to read Mary’s story. We believe you’ll be just as inspired by her journey as we are. Congratulations, Mary 🎉 We’re all so very blessed to have you as a leader in our community.

For more than 15 years, the Scottsboro Boys Museum has celebrated Juneteenth, a tradition rooted in remembrance, educati...
06/23/2026

For more than 15 years, the Scottsboro Boys Museum has celebrated Juneteenth, a tradition rooted in remembrance, education, and hope for the future. Last week’s program was another beautiful reminder of what can happen when people come together with open hearts and a shared commitment to learning from history.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Doug Jones for sharing his reflections on the Civil Rights Movement and the continued pursuit of justice. We also congratulate Mary Abernathy, this year’s recipient of the Sheila Washington Award, presented by 2026 Scottsboro High School Valedictorian Lela Moser.

We’d also love to thank the Sanford family for joining us on this special day. Joyce Chapel was the family’s home church, making this reunion all the more special.

We would also like to give a special thank you to our sponsors:

• Duke and Rudder Attorneys at Law, LLC
• Dunsmore and Benson Attorneys at Law
• Juanita Sales Lee, Museum Board Affiliate
• The Friends to Elect Jason Jones, District Judge, Madison

Thank you to the Cotton Family Band for filling the day with music, Sherry Holderfield for our food, Kona Ice for keeping everyone cooled down in the sun, and to every volunteer, especially our YAP volunteers, supporter, and guest who made this celebration possible. Seeing our church filled with conversation, laughter, music, and fellowship reminded us that history is not only something we remember. It is something we continue to build together.

Thank you for celebrating with us. Here’s to carrying this tradition forward for generations to come.

Our Juneteenth celebration was a day to remember!We're grateful to have seen our community come together to honor freedo...
06/23/2026

Our Juneteenth celebration was a day to remember!

We're grateful to have seen our community come together to honor freedom, reflect on our shared history, and celebrate the progress we've made together. Moments like these remind us that history is best experienced in community, through conversation, connection, and a shared commitment to building a brighter future.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special. More photos and videos are on the way!

06/19/2026

Juneteenth 2010: A look back to where it all began.

While sorting through old archives, we uncovered footage for an old camcorder from the Scottsboro Boys Museum’s very first Juneteenth celebration in the summer of 2010. Led by our founder, Sheila Washington, alongside the Scottsboro Boys Committee, this gathering brought the community together to celebrate freedom, reflect on our shared history, and look toward a brighter future.

Fifteen years later, we’re still carrying that same vision forward. Every conversation, every gathering, and every Juneteenth celebration is an opportunity to remember the past, honor those who came before us, and continue building a stronger, more connected community.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. History lives not only in the stories we preserve, but also in the people who continue to share them.

Can you spot it? 🔎Right after our Juneteenth celebration, join us for a scavenger hunt in collaboration with the Scottsb...
06/17/2026

Can you spot it? 🔎

Right after our Juneteenth celebration, join us for a scavenger hunt in collaboration with the Scottsboro Public Library! From 12:00-1:00 p.m. CST, participants of all ages are invited to search, explore, and put their observation skills to the test.

There’s even a prize waiting for the winner!
Bring your friends, bring your family, and stick around after the festivities for an afternoon of fun, discovery, and community connection. We can’t wait to see who finds it first!

Our Juneteenth lineup is here! Join us as we come together for a day of reflection, recognition, and celebration featuri...
06/12/2026

Our Juneteenth lineup is here!

Join us as we come together for a day of reflection, recognition, and celebration featuring special guests, community leaders, and inspiring voices. We’re excited to share this year’s program with you and look forward to celebrating alongside our community.

Be on the lookout for more event details in the coming days, and don’t forget to register through the link in our bio. We can’t wait to see you there!

Address

428 W Willow Street
Scottsboro, AL
35768

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+12569120471

Website

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