Lorraine Motel at the National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis

Travel Inspiration From
Tennessee Local Claire Hannum

Weekend Itinerary: Experience Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy in Memphis

The city tells the story of King’s life, work and lasting impact through the churches where he organized local and national civil rights activism.

January 17, 2018

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life was tragically cut short, but his legacy lives on. In the decades since King was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, the city has become a living homage to King. The city tells the story of King’s life, work and lasting impact through the churches where he organized local and national civil rights activism and the venues where he listened to his favorite music.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of King’s passing, so there’s no better time to honor his life with a visit to Bluff City. Here’s a weekend itinerary to help you take it all in:

Stop 1 of 8

National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum was built directly into the Lorraine Motel, where King was assassinated. The motel was known as a safe space for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era and hosted legends like Nat King Cole and Jackie Robinson. When you visit, you’ll catch a glimpse of how the motel looked on that day in 1968, complete with ‘60s-era cars in the parking lot. A wreath hangs from the balcony in front of Room 306, where King lost his life, and you can see a view of the room exactly as King left it.

Inside the museum, you’ll explore 400 years’ worth of American civil rights history. The museum includes exhibits highlighting the ’50s bus boycotts that helped ignite the civil rights movement and the Black Arts Movement of the ’60s and ’70s.

Slave Haven, Memphis, Tennessee, credit Timothy Hollar

Stop 2 of 8

Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum

Once known by many as a stop on the Underground Railroad, you can descend into the dark, damp cellar and peer through the trap doors and hidden passageways where slaves looking for a free life were harbored.

Stop 3 of 8

Clayborn Temple/I AM A MAN Plaza

Next, step into Clayborn Temple, the African Methodist Episcopal church that served as a gathering space for civil rights activists. During the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers strike, King and fellow marchers gathered at the church to rest, reflect and strategize.

The church is undergoing a restoration, and a plaza commemorating King and the sanitation strike is underway. In the meantime, Clayborn Temple still regularly hosts local events. While you’re in town, check out what the church is up to – you just might get to take in an arts event, live performance or tribute.

Stop 4 of 8

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is the perfect place to get lost in music history. The museum is on the former site of Stax Records, the label that pioneered Southern soul and brought us legends like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes. In King’s era, Stax Records wasn’t just famous for its incredible tunes – it was also known for being run by an integrated team, which was a groundbreaking decision in the segregated ‘50s.

Today, the museum will take you on a journey through Memphis’ finest musical moments. (Go ahead, dance around in the exhibits.) Next door, you can check out the Stax Music Academy, where today’s music students hone their skills to become the legends of tomorrow.

Stop 5 of 8

Gibson Mural

Soak in some of the Memphis art scene by taking in the famous murals along Barboro Alley and South Main Street. Pieces inspired by music, the Civil Rights Movement, and the heartbeat of the city will keep you inspired. Don’t forget to bring your camera for this one!

Stop 6 of 8

Beale Street Historic District

Start day two on iconic Beale Street, which is renowned for its toe-tapping offerings of live jazz, blues and rock. It was also home to some of King’s favorite musical styles, all of which provided him with inspiration during difficult moments. When the U.S. was segregated, Beale Street was a place where integrated bands could take the stage and make great music together.

To get the full Beale Street experience, stop by the Blues Hall of Fame, and try to catch a show at the famed Orpheum Theatre – or the Halloran Centre, the Orpheum’s smaller cousin.

Stop 7 of 8

Withers Collection Museum and Gallery

This gallery’s archive is home to more than 1 million (yes, 1 million) images taken by famed photojournalist Ernest Withers. Withers captured historic moments of the Civil Rights Movement including the sanitation workers’ strike, the Montgomery bus boycott and King’s most powerful moments. The gallery is on Beale Street, in Withers’ final working studio. Stop there between taking in the live music to see King’s life through a new lens.

Stop 8 of 8

Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

The Rock ’N’ Soul Museum will take you on an invigorating trip through the city’s musical past. Soak it all in, and when you’re done, rent the museum’s audio walking tour of Beale Street, which takes you back in time to life 100 years ago on Beale Street as a thriving center of African American culture.

African American History

National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum chronicles the Civil Rights Movement from slavery to present-day human rights movements. 

African American History

Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum

African American History

Clayborn Temple/I AM A MAN Plaza

Music History

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Soul Music Museum

Music History

Beale Street Historic District

The music and entertainment pulse of downtown Memphis, Beale Street at the turn of the 20th century served as a haven for African Americans migrating from small towns.

African American History

Withers Collection Museum and Gallery

The Withers Collection Museum and Gallery features the amazing historical photographs of the world-renowned photojournalist, Dr. Ernest C. Withers, covering Civil Rights, Music, Sports and Memphis Life Style.

Music History

Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

The original Rock 'n' Soul exhibit, developed in 2000 by the Smithsonian Institution, tells the complete Memphis music story, introducing guests to the Memphis musical legends who shook the planet.

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Weekend Itinerary: Experience Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy in Memphis

National Civil Rights Museum

Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum

Clayborn Temple/I AM A MAN Plaza

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Gibson Mural

Beale Street Historic District

Withers Collection Museum and Gallery

Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum