There are few American cities that have had such an effect on the nation’s history as Montgomery, Alabama.

One of the most significant historical events that took place in this city happened on Dec. 1, 1955. An African-American woman named Rosa Parks became famous for refusing to obey the bus driver who asked her to move out of her seat in the “colored” section of the bus for a white passenger because the white section of the bus was full.

When the driver, James Blake, asked her to move she stayed still, stating that she didn’t think she should have to move. He threatened to call the police but she remained stationary until a police officer came to take her away.

After her arrest, Rosa Parks became a symbol of the civil rights movement. She organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott and her story sparked a movement that shook the nation.

She suffered hardships as a result, even losing her job. She spoke extensively about civil rights issues and even was later hired as a secretary and receptionist at the office of John Conyers, an African-American U.S. Representative.

Her legacy is upheld and remembered at the Rosa Parks Museum in the city of Montgomery. While you are visiting this vibrant Alabama city, it is worth going to this museum.

This museum was designed to uphold and interpret the story of Rosa Parks as well as the effect she had on the civil rights movement, including the accomplishments of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The Rosa Parks Museum tells the story of this time in an interesting and interactive way, a permanent exhibit, interesting temporary exhibits, classrooms and archives. The museum focuses on the courage and bravery of those who fought for early civil rights.

Some of the most interesting artifacts in the museum include a replica of the bus that Mrs. Parks was sitting on that fateful day, a restored 1955 station wagon and some of the original documents from that period in time.

The museum also features the “Time Machine” that takes visitors on a virtual journey through time to learn about some of the other people who made a difference in history including Harriet Tubman and Homer Plessy. It is an interactive and interesting way to learn the social and legal challenges involved in the segregated system of buses within Montgomery. Visitors can look at some of the original documents and listen to testimonials from people who participated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 and 1956.

The Rosa Parks Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturday until 3 p.m. It is closed on Sunday except for tours. The admission price is $7.50 and $5.50 for children under the age of 12.

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About the Author: Scott Arthur is a historian and freelance writer. He recently visited several important sites of the civil rights movement, staying at the Comfort Inn Hotel in Montgomery Alabama.