Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site

Atlanta is a mesh of Southern charm, culture and history, with a modern-day twist. You will find industry, progressiveness, diverse populations, but also old-time traditions and rememberances of people and times long-gone.

One Such reminder of a not-so-distant past is the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site. This dedicatory site celebrates the birth, life and death of the esteemed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929, just past the noon hour, to the Reverend and Mrs. Martin Luther King, Sr. His birth house at 501 Auburn Avenue in Atlanta remains. This neighborhood where Dr. King lived as a child remains to serve as a reminder to all of the great things he has done for people of all colors, creeds and nations.

The King Memorial includes different facilities that are operated and maintained in partnership with the National Park Service, Ebenezer Baptist Church and The King Center. Throughout the site you can learn all about Dr. King's life and about his positive influence on others.

You can visit the house where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on a guided tour. The tours are on a first-come, first-served basis (with space for only 15 people per tour), so you will have to register in person for the tour at the National Park Service Visitor Center.

The Peace Plaza is the area between the National Park Service Visitor Center and Auburn Avenue. The Plaza has the beautiful International World Peace Rose Garden and water fountain. The "BEHOLD" statue is also located in the Plaza.

The late Mrs. Coretta Scott King established The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. in 1968 to preserve the legacy of her husband. The Center has a staffed Information Desk, which is located inside the National Park Service Visitor Center. You will get a short introduction, telling you about the historic site, like which facilities are open to the public and getting information on signing up for a tour of his Birth Home.

The Visitor Center has a wealth of information. In the lobby is the "Children of Courage" exhibit. It's aimed at teaching young visitors who may not know about Dr. King and the story of the Civil Rights Movement. There's also the "Courage To Lead" exhibit, showing the path of Dr. King during the Civil Rights Movement, and the walk down "Freedom Road". The "Freedom Road" exhibit is dedicated to the everyday people known as the "foot soldiers" of the Civil Rights Movement - their loyalty to the cause was the force that led to the Movement's success. The video monitors run continuously, so even if you walk in at the middle, just wait a few minutes to catch the beginning of the program. While at The King Center, visit the final resting place of Dr. King, Jr. You can also see exhibits on Coretta Scott King and Mahatma Gandhi.

In 1934, when Martin Luther King, Jr. turned five years old, he was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church. This is still a functioning church to the "Sweet Auburn" neighborhood. When Dr. King turned nineteen years old, he was ordained as a minister at the church, and in 1960 Dr. King, Jr. became a co-pastor of Ebenezer. He remained the co-pastor of the church until he died in 1968. As a final farewell, Dr. King, Jr.'s funeral was held in this same church. Thanks a Save America's Treasures Grant and the contributions of many individuals and corporations, in 2001 the National Park Service began restoring of this church so it will be around in the future.

Visiting the MLK Memorial is free. You can even park for free, or take MARTA to the E2 - King Memorial station. The Center is open during the Winter (August 20, 2006 - June 9, 2007) from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily, and during the Summer (June 10, 2007 - August 18, 2007) from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm daily. It will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

For more information you can call the Park Headquarters at (404) 331-5190, the Visitor Information line at (404) 331-6922 or visit them online at www.nps.gov/malu.

Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site and learn something new!