ATLANTA (RTW News) — A significant expansion at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta is set to launch at an important time for civil rights awareness in the United States. Unlike government-funded institutions, this privately financed museum is free from external pressures regarding its educational content. The nearly $60 million renovation will feature six new galleries, classrooms, and interactive experiences designed to transform the center from a passive exhibition space into an active hub for civil and human rights engagement, as stated by President and CEO Jill Savitt.
The center has continued to run various K-12 education programs, offering over 300 online lesson plans, diversity training, and initiatives aimed at addressing historical injustices. This proactive approach contrasts with recent government efforts perceived as attempts to downplay certain historical narratives.
Inspiring Young Activists
The center, founded by civil rights leaders Evelyn Lowery and Andrew Young, originally opened in 2014 and has since become a cultural landmark. Following a pandemic-related decline in attendance, the renewed focus on engaging and immersive experiences is expected to attract both new and returning visitors. A notable addition is the Change Agent Adventure, targeted at children under 12, designed to motivate them to pledge small acts of change in their communities.
Advocacy and change-making can be infectious, Savitt commented, emphasizing the museum's role in instilling a sense of empowerment in young visitors. The exhibit set to open in April will embody the ethos of empathy and responsibility, propelling kids to engage with issues of justice and community.
Promoting Hope and Progress
The upcoming exhibition titled Broken Promises will delve into the era following the Civil War, highlighting the struggles and backlash faced by formerly enslaved individuals. Curator Kama Pierce aims to orient visitors to the recurring theme of progress met with resistance throughout American history.
Exhibits will include historically significant artifacts such as a Georgia marker from the site of the 1918 lynching of Mary Turner, presenting a narrative of resilience rather than victimhood. Additionally, more prominence will be given to items from the Martin Luther King Jr. collection, showcasing a multifaceted portrayal of King not just as an icon but as a profound human figure.
Fostering Democratic Engagement
The center's renovation will also unveil a new immersive exhibit allowing visitors to experience the tension of a 1960s sit-in against segregation, complete with realistic soundscapes. Recognizing the emotional weight of such content, a designated reflection area will offer visitors a space to process their experiences.
The expansion is supported by funding from local philanthropists including Home Depot co-founder Arthur M. Blank and various foundations committed to enhancing civic education. Recognizing the pivotal role of dialogue in democracy, donors are investing in initiatives that foster a robust understanding of citizenship and participation in societal issues.
Understanding who has a voice in a democracy is crucial to a healthy society. Our donors are motivated by the belief that an informed public is essential for a vibrant America, Savitt concluded.
