MISSION

 

Our mission is to be a Museum and Institute that chronicles and preserves the historic journey for the right to vote that began when the “Founding Fathers” first planted the seeds of democracy in 1776.

Voting is the cornerstone of a democratic society, which we all participate.  It is one of the most important gains acquired during the Civil Rights Movement.  The National Voting Rights Museum & Institute offers America and the world the opportunity to learn the lessons of the past to assure we will not make the same mistakes in the 21st century and beyond.  It is a place where past and present struggles and future possibilities can be studied, felt, and remembered. The National Voting Rights Museum serves as a living reminder that we stand on the shoulders of giants.  Therefore, our mission is to be a Museum and Institute that chronicles and preserves the historic journey for the right to vote that began when the “Founding Fathers” first planted the seeds of democracy in 1776.  As such, the struggle for justice and democracy is a never-ending one.  Each generation will have its barriers to overcome and its stories to share.  The Museum is committed to collecting and sharing these stories, struggles, and victories for generations to come.

Though the voting rights struggle is rich in memorabilia and documentation, the National Voting Rights Museum & Institute plays an important role in enhancing public knowledge through the following: 

Black Belt Heritage Tours
Personal Collection Exhibits
Living History Projects
Community Forums

AS A MUSEUM 
The NVRMI exhibits materials and artifacts from the voting rights struggle in America, especially those that highlight the experiences, which fueled "Bloody Sunday”, the Selma to Montgomery March, and the Civil Rights Movement throughout the South. The NVRMI provides research forums, community action, and makes presentations that impact or support voting rights issues in America.  

AS AN INSTITUTE
The NVRMI will serve as a steward of history and repository to identify, acquire, organize, preserve, and administer records and information of enduring value, as well as care for and protect the collection of historical records and manuscripts.  Its primary goal is to educate, inform, and remind individuals of the lessons of the past by enriching and enhancing the knowledge of voting rights through visual and audio means.  Its purpose is to also preserve and make accessible archives and information it contains.  At the heart of the Museum lie its archives, which house the museum’s collections, artifacts and digitization.   The NVRMI Archives will promote the collection, description and use of archives and manuscripts in Selma and Dallas County. 

The NVRMI provides a means for individuals and institutions to work together to preserve the historical record of Selma and Alabama.