In Alabama’s 2026 state budget, local civil rights attraction, The Scottsboro Boys Museum, has been awarded $166,667 for 2026.
The Scottsboro Boys Museum will dedicate this money to staffing and expanding the museum’s outdoor space. The museum’s outdoor plans include a new welcome plaza, outdoor classroom, memorial garden, boxcar and a shotgun home.
“We were thrilled to hear the news,” said Executive Director Dr. Thomas Reidy. “A special thanks to Senator Steve Livingston for believing in our mission and marshalling these funds through.”
The museum is housed in the historic Joyce Chapel and adjoins to the rail system that the Scottsboro nine were riding on the day of their arrest. The outdoor space will provide interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience the story in new ways. The expansion offers the community a new green space while providing important education on this pivotal civil rights history.
Jackson County Tourism Directory Lydia Kay Fields expressed gratitude to state legislators “for recognizing the importance of this museum and providing critical funding that will allow it to expand with new outdoor spaces and exhibits.”
The museum was founded in 2010 by local activist Shelia Washington. In 2024, the museum won the Alabama Historical Association’s annual History Museum award, and was named the top attraction by North Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourists Association. It continues to attract visitors from all over the world – welcoming guests from over 42 states and 31 countries yearly.
The museum is open to the public Wednesday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. School groups and tours can be booked through their website,
thescottsboroboysmuseum.com
