The Legacy Museum in downtown Montgomery is an unforgettable experience that dives deep into the powerful history, similiar to going to the Holocaust Museum. It is not just any history lesson, as it is an immersive journey that brings the past to life in a way that’s both eye-opening and incredibly moving; as a result, the museum may be emotional and it’s recommended only age appropriate or mature individuals visit. The museum is housed in a building that was once a holding site for enslaved Black people, but the museum employs cutting-edge technology and interactive exhibits to tell the story of racial injustice in America. It takes about 90-minutes to visit the museum, but you will be completely drawn in by the gripping videos, interactive displays, and powerful narratives that guide you through events from the transatlantic slave trade all the way to current issues in the criminal justice system.

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice is six-acres and nothing like you’ve ever seen. It is an outdoor memorial that honors the memory of the thousands of Black Americans who were victims of racial terror lynchings. As you walk up to the memorial, you can feel the importance and peacefulness. The large steel columns represent a different county in the U.S. where lynchings happened, with the names of the victims inscribed on them. As you move through the space, the columns start to hang higher and higher above you, creating a feeling that’s hard to describe—it’s deep, it’s meaningful, and it’s something you won’t forget. Additionally, there is also a space where you can just sit and reflect on everything you’ve seen and felt. It’s a moment to pause and think about how we can all make a difference in the world today, inspired by the strength and courage of those who fought for justice before us.

Guests are able to purchase tickets in advance to visit the Legacy Museum, The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and Freedom Monument Sculpture Park. Entry into the Legacy Museum is on an hourly basis; however, the other sites are open until closing. Due to the heat, is it best to the visit the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in the morning as they open at 9am. The tickets for each site are valid for one-day, enabling guests to leave and return. Additionally, there is a resturaunt inside the Legacy Museum, i.e.,  Pannie-George’s Kitchen, that specializes in southern meat and cuisine. Furthermore, as the sites are spread out throughout the downtown area, there is a free-shuttle bus and parking is free.