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Greensboro, North Carolina: Historic Civil Rights Lunch Counter

In 1960 this was a Woolworths, and its lunch counter is where four black students sat and refused to leave until they were served. Now it's a Civil Rights museum, and the lunch counter has been preserved as it was, including all its chrome hardware and orange-and-blue seats. No one's allowed to sit at it now. Outdoors still has the Woolworth's facade, and a bronze plaque.

International Civil Rights Center and Museum

Address:
134 S. Elm St., Greensboro, NC
Directions:
International Civil Rights Center and Museum. Downtown. On the west side of S. Elm St. a block south of its intersection with W. Market St. Look for the red Woolworths facade.
Hours:
M-Th 9-6, F-Sa 9-7, fewer hours off-season (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
336-274-9199
Admission:
Adults $10.
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Visitor Tips and News About Historic Civil Rights Lunch Counter

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Museum sign.

Historic Civil Rights Lunch Counter

The counter is the highlight of a museum featuring the civil rights movement and how life was under Jim Crow laws. No photography allowed inside. The counter has a media show that tells the history of the sit-in.

[Clark W, 06/20/2022]

Woolworth's Civil Rights Birthplace.

Historic Civil Rights Lunch Counter

Well worth a visit for anyone interested in this country's Civil Rights movement. The lunch counter is only visible (through a glass exhibit case) on a guided tour which takes place every 30 minutes or so. There is a gift shop and a number of paintings and photographs to peruse whilst waiting.

[Steve Mustard, 07/26/2014]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Cup of FreedomCup of Freedom, Greensboro, NC - < 1 mi.
Stone O Henry BookStone O Henry Book, Greensboro, NC - < 1 mi.
Elsewhere MuseumElsewhere Museum, Greensboro, NC - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Giant Sundial, Chapel Hill, NC - 43 mi.

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