Witness the Site of Civil Rights History

The year was 1957 and there was a change about to happen in the United States. Following a federal court system decision on the desegregation of the public school system, nine African-American teens prepared to go to attend an all-white school in Little Rock Arkansas. The Little Rock Central High School was descended upon by the national and local media, capturing the bravery of the teens and the protests of those against the integration of the school system. This would be the first attempt at enacting the Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka ruling. President Eisenhower used the military to combat white mob violence, making him the first president to do so since the Civil War.

This school now stands as a testament to how far the country has come when in response to the civil rights movement. There is now a visitor's center open at the museum that exposes guests to the history and significance of the events at the school It is open daily from 9 am - 4:30 pm, and admission to the school and museum are free. Groups wishing to enjoy a tour are asked to call for a reservation. The school is still an active high school, so reservations must always be made to tour the school.

The visitor center features a permanent exhibit of the 1957 events, as well as a bookstore. There is a commemorative garden that can also be toured. There are tour Rangers who answer questions about the center and they speak with visitors upon entry to introduce them to the exhibits they will see. Rangers lead the tours of the school which are limited to groups of 10 or more. Tours are offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:15 am until 1 pm and lasts about half an hour. Guests are not permitted to carry food or drinks, backpacks or large purses, or cell phones into the school

Ranger guided bicycle tours are also available. The Ranges will guide visitors to the Trail of Tears located in downtown Little Rock. These tours are outdoors and are offered during the spring and early summer months. There may be additional special events, so call ahead if you are interested in a schedule of upcoming events or celebrations. Participants of the bike tour are required to bring their own helmets, water, bikes, and any gear they may need. Kids younger than 18 years of age will need a parent or adult with them.

There are five National Parks near the Central High Museum. The Arkansas Post National Memorial, the Fort Smith National Historic Site, the Buffalo National River, the Pea Ridge National Military Park, and the Hot Springs National Park. Each of the parks feature trails and outdoor recreation, and the Hot Springs park features numerous hot springs that can be enjoyed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Another popular tourist destination in Little Rock is the President William Jefferson Clinton Library. The next time you will be in Arkansas, take a moment to visit the Central High Museum and view a piece of civil rights history.