4 Martin Luther King St Selma, AL 36703
The Selma Alabama Museum is located in a historic 1891 railway depot and features exhibits that showcase items from Selma's rich history, including those related to the Civil Rights Movement and the Civil War. The museum's Military Room and Old-time School House exhibit are particularly popular with visitors, as are its collections of arrowheads and historic photos of Selma. Formerly known as the Selma-Dallas County Museum of History and Archives Inc., the building was once the home of the L&N Railroad Station and now serves as an interpretive museum.
View Relics: Educational, Exhibits-Indian Artifacts, Pictorial displays, Pre Civil War Relics, Black Belt Region Artifacts, artifacts dating from the Gulf War back to 7000 B.C. pre-historic Indian artifacts, view a horse drawn steam-powered fire pump, a Victorian Firehouse , Selma’s first fire bell, American LaFrance fire truck antique railcars
Mon - Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed on Sundays (or by appointment)
The Old Depot Museum in Selma, Alabama, is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the city and the surrounding region. The museum is housed in the city’s historic L&N Railroad Depot, which was built in 1891 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum features exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Selma’s rich history and its importance in the civil rights movement.
One of the museum’s main attractions is its exhibit on the Battle of Selma, which took place in the city during the Civil War. The exhibit includes a variety of artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, and other items used by soldiers during the battle. Visitors can also learn about the impact that the battle had on the city and its residents, as well as the role that Selma played in the larger context of the war.
Another popular exhibit at the Old Depot Museum is the one dedicated to the civil rights movement. Selma was a key location in the struggle for civil rights, and the museum’s exhibit highlights the events that took place in the city during that time. Visitors can learn about the Selma-to-Montgomery marches, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the role that Selma played in the larger civil rights movement.
In addition to its exhibits, the Old Depot Museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. These events include lectures, performances, and special exhibits, and they provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the history of Selma and the surrounding region. One popular event is the annual Christmas on the River celebration, which includes a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.
The museum is also home to a gift shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and other items related to Selma’s history and culture. The gift shop features a variety of items, including books, t-shirts, and other merchandise.
The Old Depot Museum is staffed by a team of knowledgeable and friendly volunteers, who are always happy to answer questions and provide information to visitors. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and admission is free.
The museum is located in downtown Selma, which is itself a historic district with a variety of attractions for visitors. The district includes a number of historic buildings, as well as shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the district and the museum.
In conclusion, the Old Depot Museum in Selma, Alabama, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of the civil rights movement, the Civil War, or the city of Selma itself. With its exhibits, events, and knowledgeable staff, the museum offers visitors a comprehensive look at the rich history of the region and its importance in the larger context of American history.
10 things to do in the Selma, Alabama area:
- Visit the Edmund Pettus Bridge, which was the site of the infamous Bloody Sunday march during the civil rights movement.
- Explore the Selma-to-Montgomery National Historic Trail, which commemorates the march for voting rights that took place in 1965.
- Tour the Old Depot Museum, which features exhibits on the Battle of Selma and the civil rights movement.
- Take a stroll through the historic district of downtown Selma, which is filled with beautiful antebellum homes and other historic buildings.
- Visit Sturdivant Hall, a grand Greek Revival mansion that was built in 1852 and is now a museum.
- Attend a performance at the Walton Theatre, a restored 1930s movie palace that now hosts concerts, plays, and other events.
- Explore the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and other wildlife.
- Visit Old Live Oak Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many important figures from Selma’s past.
- Take a drive on the Selma to Montgomery Scenic Byway, which passes through some of the region’s most beautiful countryside.
- Attend the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee, a weekend-long event that commemorates the Selma-to-Montgomery march and includes a variety of activities and attractions.