INDOOR EXHIBIT IS CLOSED
Your tour includes 7 DAYS, 6 NIGHTS accommodation, 12 MEALS, ground transportation during the trip, and all site entrance fees.
Of the themes running through the South, Civil War to Civil Rights is one of the most visible. Not only because the theme is one of division but because to follow its thread is to relive its lows and highs, and to comprehend how those lows invoked the attention and energy to power positive change. The Civil War to Civil Rights tour will take you through the heart of the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana and some of the most poignant sites of the Civil Rights Movement and the American Civil War. Join the African American Civil War Memorial Museum on an unforgettable journey led by a Mississippi Veteran of the Civil Rights Movement and member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) Dr. Frank Smith.
For more information or to book the trip please contact Dr. Dawn Chitty at dawnchitty@afroamcivilwar.org
TRIP ITINERARY
Andrea Cailloux Community Center, Free People of Color Museum
Dates: March 3rd & 4th – New Orleans Louisiana
Your Civil War to Civil Rights Journey will kick-off with your arrival in the Crescent City during one of the biggest festival seasons of the year – Mardi Gras. Guest will check in to our hotel and join us for the evening at the Free People of Color Museum for an evening special reception and program on the Louisiana Native Guard and Andre Cailloux. Of course, travelers will have all Mardi Gras days to enjoy the city and festivities.
Whitney Plantation, Laura Plantation
Dates: March 5th – Overnight in Natchez, Mississippi
The journey will start early when we leave New Orleans and head to the River Road area to visit The Whitney Plantation, the first historic house museum completely dedicated to the memory of enslaved people. The group will visit the Laura Plantation a Creole historic house museum that was once home to several members of the United States Colored Troops who started out their lives as enslaved persons and fought for their freedom in the American Civil War. The group will settle for the evening in Natchez, Mississippi.
Forks of the Road, The Bluff Memorial Site, Vicksburg Military Park
Dates: March 6th – Overnight in Sumner Mississippi
Wake up in Natchez, Mississippi where we will explore Forks of the Road one of the most populous domestic slave markets along the Mississippi River torn down by the United States Colored Troops during the American Civil War. We will visit Bluff Park, the future home of the monument to the United States Colored Troops from Natchez before lunch with Natchez Descendants. The day will not be over without a visit to Vicksburg, Mississippi National Military Park, and the African American Civil War Memorial there. The evening will end in Clarksdale, Mississippi at Ground Zero Blues with some live music and great food.
Medger and Myrlie Evers Home NPS, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Tallahatchie Court House, Grable Landing
Dates: March 7th-8th – Two Nights in Jackson, MS
The day begins with a visit to Grable Landing where the body of Emmitt Till was recovered after his murder in the summer of 1955. Afterward, the group will visit the Emmitt Till Interpretive Center where we will tour the Tallahatchie Court House where the trial for Emmitt Till’s murder occurred. The group will leave Sumner, Mississippi for Jackson where we will check in and relax for the evening. The last full day of the Civil War to Civil Rights journey will be full with a morning visit to the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home, and an afternoon at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. The evening will be rounded off with a wonderful dinner with veterans of the Civil Rights Movement.
Travel day
Dates: March 9th – Fly out of Jackson, MS
Guest will fly out of the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers Airport named for Civil Rights activist Medgar Evers. Be sure to check out the small exhibit in the airport on his life.
How can I make my payment toward my trip?
All guest may pay their trip expenses by check or by credit card. A payment link will be sent to you by email if you elect to pay by credit card. All guest will be directed to make a deposit of $250 by check or credit card. Any check should be made out to the African American Civil War Memorial Museum (AACWM) and mailed to 1925 Vermont Ave NW Washington, DC 20001. The remaining trip fees must be paid by February 1, 2025, and can be paid by credit card or check.
What ground transportation will be available on the trip?
Guests who purchase the travel package with a flight will receive ground transportation to and from the airport. All guests will be transported between destination cities.
What travel information will the Museum need from me?
Guests who purchase the travel package with the flight will receive ground transportation to and from the airport. All guests will be transported between destination cities.
Is there an extra cost for single occupancy?
The guest rate is calculated per person. There is no extra cost for single occupancy rooms.
What is the last date to register to join the trip?
February 1, 2025
Can I arrive and leave at a different date and time from the group?
Yes, you may arrive before our March 3rd arrival date and depart after our March 9th departure date. Guest are responsible for any arrangements for their travel outside of the tour dates.
What should I pack in my luggage?
We suggest you pack comfortable walking shoes, a collapsible umbrella/lightweight rain gear; items you can layer like lightweight jackets/sweaters; sunglasses, a sun hat/visor, sunscreen; toiletries including travel-size hand sanitizer. The temperatures in the Mississippi and Louisiana in March range from highs in the mid-60s and 70s to lows in the mid-50s with occasional showers. Mosquito repellent is always a must. Casual attire is recommended.
What hotels will we stay at and how are incidental charges handled?
All trip hotels are booked at Hilton, Marriot, or IHG brand hotels. While your overall room charge will be booked by the travel agent guests will be responsible for furnishing a credit card at check-in for room incidentals. Guest will be provided with the list of hotels after all reservations are confirmed in early February.
Accessibility
Some historical sites have some accessibility features for visitors with disabilities such as restrooms, entrances, and parking. However, many sites have unpaved pathways, and walkways, and not all historic structures are accessible.
