"Most of what is recorded about Albany’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement casts this history in a negative light," laments Angela Whitmal, curator and director for the Museum. "Dr.[Martin Luther] King was involved in the Albany Movement during December 1961 and August 1962. [Albany] did not see the end of segregation within those time frames so Dr. King considered it somewhat of a failure."

Whitmal contests the idea, noting the unprecedented mobilization of the African-American community in Albany, toward the effort of desegregation.

"Hundreds of people went to jail here," she said. "People of all ages and walks of life risked their lives to insure freedom. We know that the Albany movement did not fail or we would not be where we are today."

Preserved to look much as it did in the 1960’s, the front of the former Mount Zion Baptist Church today also displays large, colorful postcard reproductions of the city during the same time. Progressing through the Museum, visitors see "The Times, They Are ‘a Changing," a timeline of the events in the Albany movement. "Visitors can see and hear what Albany was like in 1962," Whitmal said.

"Then they enter the heart of the exhibit, follow the timeline, and see illustrations and documents pertaining to the Movement in Albany." Adding to the exhibit’s dimension, Whitmal said, are silhouettes of individuals from Albany, who were involved in this historical time.

The use of music too, is an integral part of the tone of the Museum, which, in December of 1961, hosted a premier performance of the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) Freedom Singers, who officially organized in 1962, but had already been singing together throughout the South on the Freedom Rides.

"When they came to Albany and combined their singing with the Baptist church music, it created a whole different style that became an integral part of Freedom Music," Whitmal said. "And it created a common bond between all of those people, and somehow gave them strength and courage."

Freedom Music still abounds at the Museum, whose own choir, The Albany Civil Rights Museum Freedom Singers, performs there on the second Saturday of each month.

The Museum is particularly proud of its collection of photographs, which document the staunch opposition faced by Civil Rights workers. Among the most valued of these holdings is the Danny Lyon collection, taken by Lyon, a northern white Civil Rights worker who was the first official photographer for SNCC.

In keeping with the grassroots focus of the Museum, Whitmal said they are also working to collect oral histories from people who participated in the movement locally.

"We started compiling a list of people that we knew were leaders here," she said. "I sit down with a tape recorder and go from there." Whitmal said the oral histories, which will be transcribed and made available at the Museum, represent the actual feeling of the Movement as no other documentation can.

The Museum continues to stay close to its roots by connecting itself to the community in a number of ways. One way is through the Freedom Core, a six-week training program for young people.

"We teach them about the Civil Rights Movement—in Albany, in particular, and teach them diversity, interpersonal, and speaking skills," Whitmal said.

She said the program, which is funded by a Block Grant, is designed as a way to give back to the community.

"We want to teach them basic life skills," she said. "It’s good to see their development as speakers."

Having celebrated its Jubilee grand opening in November of 1998, the Museum welcomed approximately 6000 visitors it’s first year. Whitmal said she hears positive comments from those who tour the restored church, which dates back to 1906.

"A lot of church members who used to attend here come in and comment on how much we’ve done," she said. "A lot of people talk about the feeling of spirituality here. Many are surprised to find out how much they didn’t know."

If you’d like to know more about the Mt. Zion Albany Civil Rights Movement Museum, visit: http://members.surfsouth.com/~mtzion / The Museum is open from Wednesday – Saturday, from 10a.m.-4p.m. and on Sunday from 2p.m.-5p.m.

Admission is $3.00 dollars for adults, $2.00 dollars for students and seniors. Group rates are also available. Call (912) 432-1698 for information.