Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

As civil rights history goes, this museum is great and deserves 5 stars. However, for family friendliness and kids deserves 0 stars. It’s ironic that an organization that has put so much effort into documenting this important part of history makes it so unpleasant for kids and families, distracting from the opportunity to ensure our next generations learn from the past.nnWe visited today with five kids, excited to learn more about civil rights history. We were told by the volunteer at the entrance that kids must be with their adults throughout the museum. Ok, that’s fair. I can imagine there have been some unruly kids in the past. As we proceeded into the museum after the introduction video, we found each exhibit in winding hallways within larger rooms. We were hassled not less than half a dozen times by the same security guard any time the kids were beyond arms length, which is just about all the time given the design of the museum. Our kids never ran, shouted, touched exhibits, etc... They are well versed in good museum behavior as we visit museums all around the country with high regularity. I would literally be in the same room, reading a display with one or two of our kids, while others were in the same area reading or watching displays, and the guard would either approach the kids or me to ask “are these kids yours” or “where is your parent.” She was curt, and constant. She followed us after the initial room, and it was in unnerving to us and to our kids. It ironically reminded us of the intimidating behavior documented as used during the civil rights era throughout the museum.nnLast week we visited the civil and human rights museum in Atlanta which had similar content and policies, and in which we toured similarly as a family, but never once were we hassled by the security staff. So, it absolutely can be done.nnFrom reading reviews here it’s clear that this museum has an issue with security staff and treatment of visitors with kids.

My husband and I had a wonderful time here. It was very humbling. Seeing the 16th Street Baptist Church was breathtaking. Kelly Ingram.Park was a walk through history. We are an interracial couple and seeing what happened to people with his skin color less than 50 years ago was for me a kind of sadness I hadn't experienced. We aren't where we were but we still have a long way to go. ud83dude4fud83eudde1ud83dudda4ud83eudd0d

This is the first time I have visited the museum in a few years and it seems as if it has been a lifetime. I am a so inspired to be a better person after seeing the struggle that my forefathers and foremothers went through to ensure my liberties. Their contributions will lost on me no time soon

I really feel you should be open on Sunday's (free day) cause especially now I feel it would help families and be beneficial to the kids. .my daughter has a project coming up and I really wanted to bring her but for 15.00 for me and spouse is too high. 10.00 I could understand but whole 15.00 ! So for every free child isn't technically free.

The museum was very interesting and informative. I liked that we could take pictures inside. The location is great too.