National Center for Civil and Human Rights Expands to Inspire Change Agents

Tue Oct 21 2025 08:18:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta is set to unveil a $60 million expansion that adds interactive galleries and classrooms, aimed at empowering advocacy and understanding civil rights in America.

As the National Center for Civil and Human Rights prepares for a grand reopening on November 8, the museum has completed a $60 million renovation that includes six new galleries focused on civil rights and advocacy. The new interactive experiences, including the ‘Change Agent Adventure’ for children, aim to foster a sense of responsibility and hope among visitors while addressing historical injustices. The center, which operates independently of federal influences, seeks to educate the public about the ongoing struggle for civil and human rights, reflecting the complexities of American democracy.

ATLANTA – The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, a prominent museum in Atlanta, is expanding during a significant period in U.S. history. Unlike federally funded institutions, the center operates on private donations, allowing it to maintain control over its educational narrative.

The recently completed $60 million renovation introduces six new galleries, classrooms, and hands-on experiences. President and CEO Jill Savitt emphasizes the center's transformation from a static exhibit space to an interactive hub focused on civil rights, racial justice, and democracy's future.

Before reopening on November 8, the center has actively engaged the public through virtual educational programs, including a LGBTQ+ Institute and training in diversity and human rights. These initiatives counteract efforts to sanitize American history, highlighting the essential narratives of civil rights and justice.

Inspiring Future Change Agents

Founded in 2014 by civil rights leaders Evelyn Lowery and Andrew Young, the center emerged as a major attraction, although ticket sales dipped during the pandemic. The goal of the new renovations is to encourage repeat visits through engaging experiences tailored for children, such as the upcoming ‘Change Agent Adventure,’ where young participants will embrace their roles in fostering empathy and justice.

“Advocacy and change-making are addictive,” Savitt noted. “When children see their impact, it inspires further action, cultivating their capabilities and sense of agency,” she added.

Reflecting Hope and History

Opening in December, the exhibit titled “Broken Promises” will delve into the narrative of Reconstruction post-Civil War. Curator Kama Pierce explains the exhibit’s aim to depict the cyclical nature of progress and regression throughout American history, featuring poignant artifacts such as a Georgia historical marker related to the 1918 lynching of Mary Turner.

The center will also showcase the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. more intimately, with a recreated space of his home office featuring personal artifacts from his family. This refresh avoids the portrayal of historical antagonists, instead focusing on human rights victories that foster positivity and hope.

“Research indicates that providing hopeful narratives motivates individuals more than solely emphasizing negative experiences,” Savitt stated, reinforcing the center's mission of inspiring agency and civic engagement among its visitors.

Building a Healthy Democracy

Among the immersive experiences, visitors can participate in a simulated 1960s sit-in, accompanied by the sounds of a segregationist mob. This heavy content is balanced by designated reflection areas, where visitors can process their experiences.

Funded by contributions from prominent philanthropists and organizations like the Mellon Foundation, the expanded center aims to enhance understanding of citizenship and civic participation. “It’s crucial to foster a vibrant democracy,” Savitt emphasized, indicating that civil rights teaching aligns with the donors’ aspirations for a prosperous and engaged America.