First Baptist Church

First Baptist Church in Selma offers families a powerful, age-appropriate introduction to Civil Rights history at the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders planned the historic Selma to Montgomery marches. The church provides educational tours that bring this pivotal moment in American history to life through storytelling and family-friendly presentations, making it an important learning experience for children of all ages.

• ✓Standing in the basement meeting rooms where Civil Rights leaders planned the historic marches
• ✓Learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s connection to the church and the Selma movement
• ✓Viewing historic photographs and memorabilia from the 1965 Voting Rights Campaign
• ✓Hearing personal stories from knowledgeable guides who connect the past to present-day values

1. 1.Call ahead to confirm tour availability and times, as this is an active church with regular services and events.
2. 2.Prepare your children beforehand by discussing the Civil Rights Movement in age-appropriate terms to help them appreciate the significance of what they'll see.
3. 3.Dress respectfully as you would for any place of worship, covering shoulders and avoiding shorts or very casual attire.
4. 4.Combine your visit with a walk across the nearby Edmund Pettus Bridge for a complete Civil Rights history experience.
5. 5.The church has limited seating, so arrive early if visiting during busy times or special commemorative events.

Weekday mornings or early afternoons typically offer the most flexible tour times. Avoid Sunday mornings when the church holds regular worship services. March, during the anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches, brings special programming but also larger crowds.

Admission is free, though donations are appreciated to help maintain this historic site. Street parking is available nearby on Martin Luther King Street. This is an active place of worship, so be prepared for a reverent, educational atmosphere.

The church is open year-round, though tour availability may be limited during major holidays and special church events. March features commemorative events around the anniversary of the 1965 marches, offering enriched programming for families.

Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot serves family-friendly Southern barbecue just a few blocks away, while Tally Ho Restaurant offers classic American diner fare that kids enjoy including burgers and sandwiches.