OUR MISSION
Our mission is to preserve the rich history of the 16th Street Baptist Church and honor the lives it has impacted. We are dedicated to creating a living space for history to grow, educating and inspiring both present and future generations through reflection, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
HERE, WE PRESERVE OUR ROOTS
A Living Classroom For History
By honoring past, and empower the present and future, the Education and Visitor (EV) Center stands as a testament to our mission. We offer a physical space where these values can be actively explored. It goes beyond a simple historical archive; it is a dynamic hub for learning and contemplation.
Visitors are invited to engage with the past not as a static story, but as a living force that continues to shape our present and guide our future. Through educational programs and quiet areas for reflection, the EV Center fosters a deeper understanding of the journey toward justice and the enduring power of resilience.
HERE, WE PRESERVE OUR ROOTS
A Living Classroom For History
By honoring past, and empower the present and future, the Education and Visitor (EV) Center stands as a testament to our mission. We offer a physical space where these values can be actively explored. It goes beyond a simple historical archive; it is a dynamic hub for learning and contemplation.
Visitors are invited to engage with the past not as a static story, but as a living force that continues to shape our present and guide our future. Through educational programs and quiet areas for reflection, the EV Center fosters a deeper understanding of the journey toward justice and the enduring power of resilience.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
CALLED BY GRACE
We Are Chosen
We are called to pave the way for the younger generations that follow, growing in grace and knowledge as we build upon the legacy of those who came before us. The Education and Visitor Center is a place to reflect on this journey and be reminded to “not grow weary of doing good” (Galatians 6:9). Here, we are inspired to carry the torch forward, ensuring the path to justice is one of continuous progress and unwavering resilience.
LEARNING THAT TRANSFORMS
Expand Your Perspective
Learning is an active journey that grows through curiosity, discovery, and meaningful experiences. At the Education and Visitor Center of the 16th Street Baptist Church, every space is designed to spark new understanding and deeper connection. From guided tours to engaging programs, there are countless ways to explore stories that continue to shape and inspire. Whether you’re visiting in person or learning from afar, each step offers an opportunity to expand your perspective. Take the next step and discover all the ways you can engage, learn, and be part of the experience.
PATH TO KNOWLEDGE
Our programs are designed to challenge others to remember, reflect, and get reengaged in the principles of the Civil RIghts Movement. We strive to inspire personal growth by connecting people with the past, celebrating the courageous acts and strong individuals who came before us.
PROGRAMS
WHO WE ARE
The 16th Street Education and Visitor Center honors the lives lost in the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing, turning a tragic event into a global call for change. It serves as a space for visitors to explore the past, connect with current issues, and contribute to a more just world. The center stands as a reminder that history should be learned from and carried forward to inspire action.
ABOUT US
STEP INTO HISTORY
Develop a more profound appreciation for the events that unfolded here. Our tours of the 16th Street Baptist Church and the Civil Rights Museum allow visitors to walk through historic spaces and provide a powerful context that goes beyond textbooks. Book a tour or plan a visit today.
TOURS
STRENGTH IN UNITY
Our events bring the community together, connecting like-minded individuals who want to re-engage with the principles of the Civil Rights Movement. We gather to share an appreciation for our church’s rich history and use these opportunities to better ourselves and grow as a community. Together, we strive to become stronger and spread light for all generations.
EVENTS
GET INVOLVED
Carrying the Legacy Forward
The enduring impact of the 16th Street EV Center invites each visitor to move beyond observation and into meaningful engagement. Within this space, history is not distant—it is deeply felt, offering moments that challenge, inspire, and encourage deeper understanding. The experiences shared here reveal the strength of a community that has faced adversity with unwavering resolve and purpose. By taking time to explore these stories, visitors gain insight into how the past continues to influence the path forward today. This journey is an invitation to listen closely, engage fully, and carry those lessons into everyday life. In doing so, each person helps extend the legacy beyond these walls and into the wider world.