There are nearly 18,000 museums in the U.S. covering such diverse subjects such as art, fashion, nursing and insects. Museums give people of all ages an opportunity to learn about a topic in an informal and experiential way. One of the most recent museums to open in the South is the Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta. Considering the number of museums in the U.S., the critical questions to be asked are: What does the Center for Civil and Human Rights museum offer visitors? What can you find in the Center for Civil and Human Rights?

The Center for Civil and Human Rights was conceived in 2007 with the mission to empower people to take the protection of every human’s rights personally and join the ongoing dialogue about human rights in their communities. In its simplest terms, the museum focuses on educating the public about why human rights matter. The museum officially opened its doors June 2014 andhouses three galleries in its 43,000 square foot building. The exhibits include: The “Voice to the Voiceless: The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection;” “Rolls Down Like Water” on the American Civil Rights movement;” and the “Spark of Conviction: The Global Human Rights Movement.”

In the “Voice to the Voiceless: The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection Gallery,” you can find a rare collection of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s personal papers and items during his life time. In the “Rolls Down Like Water: The American Civil Rights Movement Gallery,” you can sit at a segregated lunch counter and experience the brave fight for equality during the civil rights movement from 1954-1968. In the “Spark of Conviction: The Global Human Rights Movement Gallery,” you can stand face-to-face with Human Rights champions and learn about their heroic stories, beginning with the aftermath of World War II and contemporary human rights struggles.

ImageCivilRightsMuseumVideo

As a visitor to The Center, you will be immersed in experiential galleries through historical documents, powerful and authentic stories, compelling artifacts and interactive activities. The Center offers a forum for sponsoring educational seminars and hosting engaging programming events. It also provides a compelling atmosphere for gatherings such as reunions, receptions and meetings. For further information about The Center, visit: www.civilandhumanrights.org.

Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of seven books, “Education Questions to be Answered,” “Current Issues and Answers in Education,” “How to Eradicate Hazing,” “Professional Career Paths” “Your Answers to Education Questions,” “How to revitalize the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.” and “Completing the Dissertation: Tips, techniques and real-life experiences from Ph.D. graduates.” He is publisher of “The Holmes Education Post,” an education focused Internet newspaper.  Holmes is a former teacher, school administrator and district superintendent. He can be reached at [email protected]