The story of slavery in the antebellum South as well as some of the significant events in the Modern Civil Rights Movement can be relived during a visit to Memphis, Tennessee. Perched on a bluff overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, Memphis is also a destination with a rich musical heritage.
Student groups travelling the Modern Civil Rights Experience trail will retrace the history of the Movement; learn about the life and tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the era of the Underground Railroad. The tour can also be expanded to include “The Music of Memphis” attractions.
Located across the street from the Lorraine Motel is the Main Street Rooming House. This is the location where James Earl Ray allegedly fired the fatal shot resulting in the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. Exploring the Legacy answers three critical questions: What happened after Dr. King’s death? Did the Movement die in Memphis? What is the legacy of the Movement nationally and internationally?
Read more »
The tour of this famous factory takes visitors through the creation of a guitar from a block of wood to the finished product.
Read more »
Graceland is a one-of-a-kind journey through Elvis’s humble beginnings and rise to stardom with up close and personal looks at the influence that forever changed our music and our lives. The tour takes you through the mansion, the car museum, Elvis’ custom jets, and features videos, personal mementos, artifacts, movie memorabilia, and stage costumes.
Read more »
The museum is located at the original Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1968 assassination. This award winning museum traces the history of the American Civil Rights Movement and honors its leaders through interactive displays, artifacts, hands-on exhibits and audiovisual programs.
Read more »
The Rock N Soul Museum provides a comprehensive Memphis music experience. Beginning with the rural field hollers and sharecroppers of the 1930’s through the Memphis’ heyday of the 1970’s to its global influence. The tour takes visitors through seven galleries. The digital audio tour guide is packed with over 300 minutes of information, including over 100 songs.
Read more »
Jacob Burkle, a German immigrant, used his home as a way station on the Underground Railroad. He provided refuge to those seeking freedom and aided them in safe passage to the Mississippi River. A walk through this stately seven room house reveals trap doors and a hidden cellar, the perfect hiding place for runaway slaves. Visitors will see startling displays of slave auctions, and personal artifacts from the lives and experiences of slaves in the antebellum South.
Read more »
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music pays tribute to the world’s premier Soul music record label that produced more than 500 hit songs on the pop R&B charts. Learn about famous artists such as Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding and Sam and Dave. The tour begins with a film on the history of the record company and includes interactive exhibits, and a performing arts center. A music academy is also on site.
Read more »
Sun Studio is the legendary record label where Elvis Presley recorded his first song. It was also the home to famous Rock-n-Roll stars Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. The tour takes you through the famous studio and includes interactive exhibits and videos.
Read more »
William Christopher Handy was the world-famous “Father of the Blues.” He composed “St. Louis Blues” and “Beale Street Blues.” This turn-of-the century home/museum contains artifacts and memorabilia, which depict the humble beginnings of this musical genius.
Read more »