Indoor Activities

First floor layout of exhibits.

 

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park commemorates the U.S. Supreme Court decision that ended racial segregation in public schools. On May 17, 1954, the court announced its unanimous opinion in the case of Oliver L. Brown et al. v. the Board of Education of Topeka et al.: "We conclude in the field of public education the doctrine of 'separate but equal' has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal."

 

Self-Guided Tour

If you prefer to learn at your own pace, or are unable to visit the site, we have assembled a Self Guided Tour covering the history of the Brown v. Board of Education case.

 

Image of the auditorium showing screens hanging from the ceiling and cube seats and icons related to the movie on the floor.

Auditorium - Race and the American Creed

Start in the auditorium where the 30-minute film Race and the American Creed traces the history of racism and segregation. The film is a dialogue between a young girl and a long-time friend of her grandfather. The student is seeking to learn about the long struggle to provide freedom and equality to all Americans.

 

The Five Lawsuits exhibit and timeline wall panels in the Education and Justice gallery.

The Road to Brown v. Board of Education

This exhibit gallery examines the barriers African Americans faced while trying to receive a formal education from the early 19th century to the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision. Investigate why leaders in the black community fought so hard and took risks to integrate schools. Photos, exhibits, and interpretive media are combined to offer a summary of these hardships due to racial injustice. The gallery features seven short films and the Hall of Courage, which displays historic film footage and may be unsuitable for children under 12 years of age.

 

The Struggle Continues exhibit in the Legacy of Brown v. Board of Education gallery.

The Legacy of Brown v. Board of Education

This gallery explores the Civil Rights Movement that followed in the wake of the Brown decision, rallying thousands of people dedicated to the eradication of prejudice and racial discimination from all forms of public life. Learn about the continuing international impact and living legacy of Brown to ensure equality in all walks of life for all people.

 

Current photo of Kindergarten Room with small tables and chairs reminiscent of the 1950's.

Kindergarten Room

The former kindergarten room has being restored to its 1954 appearance. See what it was like to attend the segregated Monroe school during the court case and find out how teachers were affected by the decision.

 

Books and videos on shelves in bookstore. A small television sits on a central bookshelf turned off in front of a yellow wall.

Bookstore - Western National Parks Association

Western National Parks Association operates the bookstore and develops publications for Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park. Discover a wide range of educational publications and products that explore the Brown v. Board of Education decision, African American history, civil rights, and the National Park Service.