Attraction Guide: Robert Russa Moton Museum, Farmville, United States

Robert Russa Moton Museum Guide

Moton Museum: Where Civil Rights History Comes Alive Guide

Step back in time and immerse yourself in a pivotal moment in American history at the Robert Russa Moton Museum in Farmville, Virginia. This isn't just another museum; it's the actual site of the 1951 student strike that helped launch the modern Civil Rights Movement. Prepare to be moved and inspired as you learn about the courageous students who dared to challenge segregation and demand equal education. The story of the Moton School strike is one of incredible bravery and resilience. In 1951, 16-year-old Barbara Johns led her classmates in a walkout to protest the overcrowded and inadequate conditions at the all-black Moton High School. Their action, supported by the NAACP and lawyers like Oliver Hill and Spottswood Robinson, became one of the five cases that comprised Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark Supreme Court decision that declared state-sponsored segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The museum meticulously preserves the history of this event, offering a powerful and poignant look at the struggle for equality. A visit to the Moton Museum is a deeply engaging experience. Explore interactive exhibits that bring the story of the strike to life, view historical photographs and documents, and hear firsthand accounts from those who were there. You can walk the halls where the students planned their protest and reflect on the impact of their actions. While in Farmville, be sure to sample some classic Southern comfort food at local restaurants. Think fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet potato pie – a true taste of Virginia!