Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site451

Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site includes a number of facilities that are operated in partnership with the National Park Service. By touring the Ebenezer Baptist Church, the birth home, and the Visitors Center, visitors can learn about Dr. King's life and his influence on others. The 23.5 acre site is surrounded by the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, which served as the center of Atlanta's African-American community during most of the 20th century. The birth home tour is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Register at the National Park Service Visitors Center; the tour is limited to 15 people/tour. The Ebenezer Baptist Church is where Young Martin Luther King, Jr. worshipped as a child and returned to co-pastor with his father, "Daddy" King, from 1960 until his death in 1968. The sanctuary is open to the public when not in use by the congregation. If visiting on a the first Saturday on the month, enjoy the First Saturday Concert Series. The National Park Service Visitors Center offers two video presentations. The 30 minute video, A New Time, A New Voice, is shown on the hour, and describes the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his involvement in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and '60s. Courage To Lead, a 15 minute video, is shown in the theater on the half hour, and describes the children involved in the civil rights movement and how kids today view the movement. The main exhibit in the visitor center, Courage to Lead, consists of six circular pods describing different periods of the first seventy years of the 20th century in Dr. King's own words. Take time to listen and watch the five minute videos in each pod, which highlight the period. End your tour of the exhibits on Freedom Road, with a view of Dr. King's tomb. Kids between the ages of nine and twelve might consider becoming Junior Rangers at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. Junior Ranger wannabes are required to complete the activities in the "Official Activity Booklet" and agree to live by the Junior Ranger Promise and Dr. King's Six Principles of Nonviolence. Let a senior ranger know if your children want to give it a try. The site is closed on New Year's and Christmas Day.