The National Voting Rights Museum & Institute II (Alabama)
| Name | The National Voting Rights Museum & Institute II |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | National Voting Rights Museum and Institute |
| Type | History Museum |
| Location | Selma, Alabama (Dallas County) |
| Street Address | 6 US Highway 80 East (US-80 Business), Selma, AL 36701 |
| Opening Hours | Mon–Thu 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; Fri–Sun By Appointment Only |
| Admission Fee | Paid Admission (Adults $6.50; Students and Ages 55+ $4.50) |
| Tours | Guided Tours Available |
| Website | https://nvrmi.com |
| Phone | +1 334-526-4340 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 1366, Selma, AL 36702-1366 |
| View on OpenStreetMap | OpenStreetMap |
| Directions | Open in Google Maps |
Set in Selma, Alabama, the National Voting Rights Museum & Institute II is designed for visitors who want history presented with clarity and care. It focuses on the long American journey toward an inclusive ballot—through objects, images, and documented stories—while keeping Selma’s local role front and center.
What Defines This Museum’s Story
Some museums feel like a timeline. This one feels like a record—curated to show how the right to vote was pursued, protected, and expanded across generations. The museum’s public description emphasizes its mission to preserve and share these stories and its place in Selma’s historic district. [Source-1✅]
You’ll Encounter
- Photographs and documents that anchor events to real people and real places
- Interpretive exhibits that connect Selma’s chapters to the broader American voting story
- Spaces that prioritize primary-source learning over spectacle
- Educational material built for both first-time visitors and returning learners
A Strong Fit For
- Travelers seeking a museum-based understanding of Selma
- Students and educators building context for American civic history
- Readers who value careful interpretation and archival-minded storytelling
- Visitors who prefer learning through objects, images, and clear narrative structure
Galleries, Archives, and On-Site Learning
The museum is more than exhibits. It also maintains an archive that supports research and history education, a role that shapes how the galleries are organized and explained. The institution was founded in 1991 and opened to the public in 1993, building a long-running presence for documentation and learning in Selma. [Source-2✅]
🗂️ How The Museum Supports Research and Education
If you’re looking for deeper context than a standard gallery walk, the museum’s archival approach is part of the experience. Keep expectations simple and practical:
- Start with the main galleries to learn the museum’s narrative flow
- For research-oriented questions, contact the museum directly before arriving
- When visiting on appointment-only days, ask about group access and guided interpretation
Hours, Admission, and Guided Tours
📅 The museum typically welcomes walk-in visitors Monday through Thursday, with Friday through Sunday handled by appointment. Admission is charged, and guided tours are listed as available—useful if you want a structured, docent-led reading of the exhibits rather than self-guided browsing. [Source-3✅]
| Standard Visiting Days | Monday–Thursday |
|---|---|
| Standard Hours | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Appointment Days | Friday–Sunday |
| Admission | Adults $6.50; Students and Ages 55+ $4.50 |
| Tours | Guided Tours Available |
Visitor Notes Worth Knowing
- 🕰️ Appointment-only days can change your timing, so call ahead if you plan to visit Fri–Sun.
- 🎟️ If you’re bringing students or a group, ask about guided tour options.
- 🌐 For updates and contact information, the museum’s official site is the most direct reference point. [Source-4✅]
How It Connects to the Selma to Montgomery Story
Selma is part of a wider landscape of preserved sites tied to the Selma-to-Montgomery marches. The National Park Service interprets this history through the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, which traces the march route and highlights associated locations across Alabama. Seeing the museum alongside that broader context can make the visit feel more complete, even if your schedule is short. [Source-5✅]
Name Variations You May Notice Online
📍 Depending on the directory or map you use, the museum can appear under slightly different naming formats. You’ll often see “National Voting Rights Museum and Institute” used in editorial and educational references, while some map records display the “Institute II” form. The address and contact details in this article help confirm you’ve found the same Selma institution.