381 Days: The Montgomery Bus Boycott
Refusing to give up her seat for a white passenger and sit at the back of a Montgomery bus was not her first, nor last, act of civil disobedience, but it is the single act for which Rosa Parks (1913-2005) is best known. That act, and her subsequent arrest, on December 1st, 1955, are credited with launching the fight that forced a segregated bus system to open its doors to equality.
The Washington State History Museum in Tacoma is the current home of a four-year traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian collaboration with the Troy University Rosa Parks Library and Museum, that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the arrest of Rosa Parks and the boycott that it inspired.
“We are…asking every Negro to stay off the buses Monday in protest of the arrest and trial…. You can afford to stay out of school for one day. If you work, take a cab, or walk. But please, children and grown-ups, don’t ride the bus at all on Monday. Please stay off the buses Monday.”
381 Days: The Montgomery Bus Boycott Story is a collage of photographs, quotes, and historical texts that bring to life the story and energy of this fight against racism and inequality. The boycott is presented in the context of the greater civil right movement, and looks at the changing social and political issues surrounding segregation laws. It is seen as one of the largest and most successful civil rights mass movements in history.
This is a very powerful exhibit!
Location: 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma (downtown)
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, 10 am-5 pm; Thursday 10 am-8pm; Friday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm; Sunday, noon- 5 pm; closed on Mondays. The Montgomery Bus Boycott Story runs through January 16th, 2007.
Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors (60+), $6 students aged 6-17 and military, $25 family, children under 5 are free. Special group rates and school field trips rates are available. Admission is free on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday.
The Washington State History Museum features a variety of traveling and permanent exhibits in theatrical and high-tech displays. It’s a fun way to learn about the State of Washington and where it fits into the country and the world.
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2 Comments
Very moving post, Mary Jo.
Happy New Year!
Kim.
the-petset.com
Thanks, Kim, and yes, the exhibit is very powerful and moving. It’s hard to believe that it was 50 years ago.