The
Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site is located about 1.5 miles east of downtown Atlanta and features a number of museums and exhibits that are open to the public. If you are planning to visit the site, stop by the visitor center first to pick up a map and find out about tours that are being offered. The visitor center itself features exhibits on Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Other points of interest include: The
King Center, established by Coretta Scott King in 1968 in honor of her husband; the Birth Home, where Martin Luther King, Jr., was born and spent the first 12 years of his life; the
Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King co-pastored with his father from 1960-68; Fire Station No. 6, which served the "Sweet" Auburn community from 1894-1991; and Birth Home Block, where residences are being restored by the National Park Service to their 1930's appearance.
The recently completed Discovery Center was dedicated on January 13th, 2000. The Center is a collaborative effort among the National Park Service, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and the National Park Foundation. Exhibits cover segregation in the 1930s, the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s & 60s, and civil and human rights issues around the world from a child's perspective.
A minimum of two hours is recommended to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site, which features a number of special programs throughout the year. These include a celebration of Dr. King's Birthday (January 15), Black History Month (February), Dr. King's Assassination Remembrance (April 4), National Historic Site Birthday (October 10), and Candle Light Birth Home Tours (December). The site is located at 450 Auburn Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA 30312. For further information, call 404-331-5190.
