Lorraine Civil Rights Museum Foundation (National Civil Rights Museum)

The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the historic Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, serves as a pivotal institution dedicated to chronicling the American civil rights movement. Its mission is to examine global civil and human rights issues, provoke thoughtful debate, and act as a catalyst for positive social change, inspiring action through education and the preservation of the movement's legacy.

The museum offers a comprehensive overview of the American Civil Rights Movement, spanning from slavery to the present day, through interactive and immersive exhibits. Key features include the preserved Room 306, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stayed, and the balcony where he was assassinated. Beyond its physical exhibits, the museum provides extensive educational programming, including public forums, book talks, distinguished speaker events, and resources for students and educators. It also engages in research, maintains historical collections, and hosts community initiatives such as the annual King Day celebration and Juneteenth Community Day.

Under the leadership of President Dr. Russell Wigginton, the National Civil Rights Museum continues to evolve its offerings. A significant recent development is the reopening of its expanded and reimagined "Legacy Experience" on May 16, 2026, which extends the narrative of civil rights history from 1968 to the present, addressing contemporary structural inequalities and movements. The museum holds a prominent position as a Smithsonian Affiliate, an internationally acclaimed cultural institution, and a 2019 National Medal Award recipient, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.