Embark on a Civil Rights History Road Trip with the Family

During my school years, I learned a lot about American history. However, I later realized how many crucial chapters were left out of those textbooks. Through travel, I discovered the history that wasn’t covered in classrooms. The experiences I had in Black history museums and along various trails stirred a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, and a deep sense of purpose. Yet, there were also stories of bravery and hard-fought victories that inspired me and filled me with pride.

With race continuing to dominate national discussions, this summer's family vacation can be an opportunity for meaningful education. Here are some highlights along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail that can provide your children—and perhaps you—insights that may not be offered in school.

National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, Memphis, Tennessee

The museum chronicles 400 years of Black history through engaging exhibits, collections, films, oral histories, artifacts, educational programs, special events, and more. It is located in the motel where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Experiencing history firsthand is unmatched by reading a book or watching a film. I remember walking almost reverently to Room 306, which was so beautifully preserved that it felt surreal: a rotary phone, 1950s lamps, a small TV with an antenna, and other artifacts filled the room. My heart swelled with emotion—I didn’t cry, but I felt the urge to. Another memorable moment was stepping onto the bus in the Rosa Parks exhibit. Listening to the narration and seeing a replica of her seated near the front, as opposed to the back where she would have been relegated during segregation, was truly inspiring.

Buy timed entry tickets online to skip long lines. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the exhibits. The museum will host a symposium on July 27 to honor the 60th anniversary of the Mississippi Freedom Summer and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

International Civil Rights Center & Museum, Greensboro, North Carolina

In 1960, four college freshmen ignited the sit-in movement at the F.W. Woolworth building in Greensboro. The original whites-only lunch counter where they sat has been restored and remains in its original location at this museum. I gazed at it in wonder, imagining the discussions they must have had. This moment will stay with you long after your visit. But there’s much more here: photos, video reenactments, interactive displays, and artifacts from the civil rights movement. While self-guided tours are available, the small guided tour adds valuable context and detail. If you prefer solitude, you can always do another walkthrough after the tour. For a historic stay, consider The Magnolia House, one of the few remaining Green Book hotels.

National Historic Preservation District, St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is famous for its beaches and golf courses, but its rich Black history is less known. Some historians claim this is where slavery began in what would later become the United States; Spanish settlers brought enslaved Africans here in 1565. Don’t miss Fort Mose Historic State Park, the site of the first legally recognized free African settlement in the colonies, dating back to the 18th century. During the civil rights era, the Plaza de la Constitución, once a slave market, was the ending point for many night marches. The Foot Soldiers Monument there honors those who fought for racial equality.

Stroll through the plaza’s Andrew Young Crossing Monument, honoring Revs. Young and King, who led protests in the area. The crossing features bronze replicas of Young’s footprints set in the coquina walkway, along with the words, “Justice, Non-Violence, Equality, and Freedom.” This plaza is a powerful place—take a moment to absorb its significance.

Be sure to book a visit to the ACCORD Civil Rights Museum, where you can explore vital artifacts from the movement. Don’t miss the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center to discover the history of the city’s all-Black settlement established in 1866. The recently launched St. Augustine Black History app is free and includes a What’s Nearby tool to guide you to historical sites in the area.

National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington, D.C.

The NMAAHC holds the title of the largest Black history museum in the United States. Plan to spend several hours there—or consider making two trips. The 10-story building houses over 40,000 items that chronicle stories from slavery to the present day. I found it overwhelming at times; it was an emotional journey. Some stories made me want to shout “Hallelujah” in celebration of the victories in music, politics, science, and sports, while others brought tears or left me pondering difficult questions. One memory that stands out is the Point of Pines Plantation Slave Cabin, relocated to the museum from Edisto Island, South Carolina, which felt heavy with history. Expect to leave feeling drained, but in a fulfilling way. Take a moment to unwind and share your thoughts with your family over a meal at the museum’s Sweet Home Café, where you can enjoy comforting Southern dishes like fried chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, and collard greens. Don’t forget to get your free timed entry passes online.