Scottsboro Boys Museum is open for business

News

Tuesday, 22 November 2022 13:26

The Mountain Lakes Chamber recently held a ribbon cutting for the Scottsboro Boys Museum, located at 428 West Willow Street to commemorate its grand re-opening after closing for a couple years to allow for extensive remodeling. Preceding its closing was also the pandemic and the sudden death of its former director, Shelia Washington.

Interim Executive Director Dr. Thomas Reidy expressed his wishes to thank Senator Steve Livingston and Senator Arthur Orr for their dedication in ensuring the much-needed funds arrived at the facility to ensure its survival for future generations.

He also wished to thank the museum’s board members: Loretta Tolliver/Treasurer; Lynda Hodges/Facilities; William Hampton/Acquisitions and Social Media; Rev. Polly Robb/Community Outreach and Education; Juanita Sales-Lee/Governance; Carla Santibenez; Dr. Sylvia Coleman/Education and Development; Rev. Lacey Smith/Community Outreach.

Finally, Dr. Reidy spoke for a time about the museum’s founder, Shelia Washington.

“I want to thank her for keeping the doors open to this place. I know it wasn’t easy. I’m thankful for her determination and fearlessness,” stated Reidy. “I hope everything is the way she envisioned it.”

If you’ve never been to visit the museum, it showcases the 1930s timeline sensational case of nine young African-American men accused of raping a woman on a train. It took just 13 days in court to sentence the young men who ended up serving a combined 102 years in prison for a crime they did not commit.

The case soon caught national and worldwide attention, spearheading the start of the Civil Rights Movement here in the United States.

The next big event at the museum will be held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The museum holds regular, scheduled tours and also holds private tours and can also accommodate large groups. If you would like to schedule a tour, call 256.912.0471. They are open Wednesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visit their website at thescottsboroboysmuseum.com for more information.

The museum is also a non-profit organization, meaning all donations are tax-deductible. If you would like to donate toward the preservation of this facility and the history it honors, they accept checks or credit cards. Checks can be mailed to The Scottsboro Boys Museum, P.O. Box 1557, Scottsboro, Ala. 35768. You can also donate on their website and click contact.

 

by Martha Smith