ATLANTA (AP) — The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta is expanding with a $60 million renovation, adding six new galleries, classrooms, and interactive experiences to engage visitors in civil rights education and advocacy. Unlike the publicly funded Smithsonian Institution, this center relies on private donations, providing it with a level of autonomy amid ongoing debates on historical narratives shaped by varying political perspectives.
Scheduled to reopen on November 8, the center has been active with K-12 education programs that include more than 300 online lesson plans, a LGBTQ+ Institute, diversity training, and initiatives to confront historic injustices. Jill Savitt, the center's president and CEO, emphasized the need for a dynamic space that inspires action and supports civil and human rights education.
One focus of the expansion is the immersive Change Agent Adventure, designed for children under 12. The exhibit encourages young visitors to pledge commitments that reflect empathy, justice, and kindness as they learn about their roles in shaping a better world. This initiative seems to oppose the notion that young people should be shielded from challenging truths, as it highlights the inspirational aspects of American history and the roles of activists who have fostered societal change throughout time.
In addition to children-focused exhibits, the center will introduce an exhibit titled Broken Promises in December, discussing the post-Civil War Reconstruction era and historical backlash against civil rights advancements. The exhibit intends to illustrate the cyclical nature of progress and regression in American history, highlighting both personal accounts and significant events to lend perspective on resilience and hope.
The center's exhibit displays will shift from focusing on the most tyrannical figures in history toward celebrating human rights achievements. By emphasizing positive outcomes, the center aims to invoke agency and reduce apathy among visitors, supporting a hopeful and proactive approach to change.
Moreover, the expansion is financed through contributions from prominent entities, including philanthropist Arthur Blank and various foundations. Savitt noted that the corporate community, while cautious, recognizes the importance of investing in civil and human rights education as essential to fostering a healthy democracy. The center aims to enhance understanding of citizenship and collective voice, viewing this initiative as a vital contribution to a vibrant and prosperous America.
