History study trips to Alabama
Curriculum Themes
Segregation
Civil Rights Movement
American Civil War
Post WW11
Events of Bloody Sunday
Montgomery Bus Boycott 1956
Racial Tension
Social and Cultural Development
Martin Luther King Jr
Why Alabama?
Alabama was where the American Civil War began. After the war, Alabama was a poor and economically challenged state which was then exacerbated by WWII, this meant that many men were called up for service. Perhaps what it is most famed for is the events post WWII. Many African-American veterans of Alabama became activists for civil rights; they argued that they served for their country like everybody else and called for desegregation and equal rights. In 1964 after the tireless work of Martin Luther King and his supporters, the Civil Rights act was signed, ending the legal institution of slavery and encouraged industrialisation. The state now has many historical monuments in its various cities, to learn and remember about the history behind it. You can read about why Alabama should be on every historian’s bucket list here.
From Civil War to Civil Rights
From Martin Luther King memorial sites, to Rosa Parks museums, Alabama is home to the majority of the civil right movement’s history. However, it is not just civil rights here, Montgomery was the city where the Civil War began. In one square of this city, slaves were bought and sold once they were brought over from Africa, the telegram was sent to start the Civil War and is where Rosa Parks boarded a bus which became the beginning of a huge movement against segregation. One tour can cover studies spanning over 100 years.
What to do on a history study trip to Alabama?
There are a huge range of activities for students to explore Alabama. Here we have just a few excursions we can include in a bespoke itinerary.
Happy Birthday, Rosa Parks! (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005) Celebrate with us today @rosaparksmuseum #blackhistorymonth A post shared by Rosa Parks Museum (@rosaparksmuseum) on
Shots of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma @Jmosley_history such an honour to be here with Dianne Harris @SelmaCounty @msgtours pic.twitter.com/mIDB7BBoIx
— Carmel Bones (@bones_carmel) 15 April 2019
What a day we have had in Birmingham, AL. We’ve seen both Bethel and 16th Street Baptist Churches, the Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham Jail and so much more. Led by the most amazing guides Barry, Cheryl, Martha and John. More to come tomorrow! Thank you @inbirmingham pic.twitter.com/ZRkARrJ1Bs — MSG Tours (@msgtours) 14 April 2019
In a day crowded with strong history geek moments, my favourite was the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, displaying details of those lynched on suspended metal blocks. Incredibly powerful and a must-see for those studying American Civil Rights #historyteacher #alabamafam pic.twitter.com/gy7TEo6MKJ — Mrs Thorne (@MrsThorne) 16 April 2019
Take a tour of the Alabama Voices exhibit at the #MuseumOfAlabama in 15 seconds! #alabamaarchives
Monument to the Six Spirits in Kelly Ingram Park alongside statue of Dr Martin Luther King near the Coretta King 🌹 garden in Birmingham Alabama @msgtours pic.twitter.com/TTtUDLmRka — Carmel Bones (@bones_carmel) 14 April 2019
This place was amazing. It had so many parallels with the British Industrial Revolution and aftermath. It would be brilliant for deepening student knowledge and understanding of the city of Birmingham before looking at the civil rights movement. @msgtours https://t.co/zWWTUUooVh
— Katie Hall (@katiehall1979) 15 April 2019
A truly uplifting experience at the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. We visited Dr King’s study & leant on the pulpit he used when pastor. This feeling will stay long in the memory. @msgtours pic.twitter.com/pn2tI61nQg — Carmel Bones (@bones_carmel) 17 April 2019
In addition, you can also fill your days with the following
- Top Golf
- Alabama State Capitol
- Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
- Visit to Alabama State University
- Escape Rooms
- Bowling
Example Itineraries
Our educational travel experts have spent considerable time crafting a selection of ready-made itineraries for your History Study trip to Alabama, which you will find below. However, we can also create a bespoke and unique itinerary to meet the educational needs of your group.
Day 2 Tour of Birmingham sites including the Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, Birmingham Jail and 16th Street Baptist Church.
Day 3 Vulcan Visitors centre with local guide Sloss Furnaces
Day 4 Travel to Selma for a tour and cross Edmund Pettus bridge. Travel to Montgomery
Day 5 Guided tour of Montgomery with a footsoldier, including Rosa Parks Museum, Legacy Museum and Peace & Justice Memorial. Transfer back to the UK.
Day 2 Tour of Birmingham sites including the Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, Birmingham Jail and 16th Street Baptist Church.
Day 3 Vulcan Visitors centre with local guide Sloss Furnaces.
Day 4 Travel to Selma for a tour and cross Edmund Pettus bridge. Travel to Montgomery.
Day 5 Guided tour of Montgomery with a footsoldier, including Rosa Parks Museum, Legacy Museum and Peace & Justice Memorial.
Day 6 Dexter Avenue Church & Museum, Alabama Archives, Capitol Building, return to airport
Day 7 Visit the World Trade Centre and stock market.
Day 8 Return to the UK.
Getting there
Flight is the best way to get to Atlanta as there is a direct flight from Heathrow or Manchester with British Airways, Virgin, KLM and Iberia. Once there, a coach will take you to each city in Alabama. The best way to get from Alabama to New York is either by flight or there is also a train.
Hampton Inn & Suites – Montgomery
This hotel is centrally located in the Alley entertainment district and the same block as the Legacy Museum. Buffet breakfast and a gym are included in stays here and are a great base for groups to take part in evening activities.
Holiday Inn- Birmingham
This hotel is only a short journey away from all excursions in the city and has well equipped rooms with ensuites and in room heating/air con. The hotel has free Wi-Fi in all rooms, an indoor pool and complimentary fitness equipment.
When should you visit Alabama?
Spring and beginning of autumn is ideal as the weather is not too extreme. July is known as a no go, as it can reach up to 40 degrees in heat!
Sarah Carr is our Photographer of the Week! Thanks for capturing this beautiful sunset over Lake Guntersville and sharing it with us. For a chance to be our next Photographer of the Week, be sure to join our Alabama Nature Lovers group on Facebook. #al #alabama #onlyinyourstate #sunset #sunsetpics #sunsets_and_sunrises #sunsetsky #alabamasunset #lake #alabamalakes #lakeguntersville #scenery #outdoors #nature #alphotography #alabamaphotography #alphotographer #alabamaphotographer #photooftheday #photographeroftheweek Tag #onlyinalabama to have your photo featured 📷😀 A post shared by Only In Alabama (@only.in.alabama) on
Our Recommendations
Find out what previous groups did on their study trips in our case studies:
Four history experts travel with MSG Tours to Alabama
Why Alabama should be on every Historian’s bucket list
Read ‘Ten Reasons to visit Alabama’ written by Sally Thorne
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Read more of our case studies here.