If you are a Memphis’s history lover, you must dive into the soul of the City of music through many history museums located throughout the city.
The starting point of your journey into the history of Memphis can be the Memphis Vitality Hotel, just a 20 minute drive from downtown Memphis. The Vitality Hotel offers a quick and practical accommodation: with the self check-in service, you can settle into your room without any waiting.
During the stay in Memphis Vitality Hotel you can unwinding by the pool after a tiring day walking around the must-visit museums in Memphis for history lovers. You can also stay active in our advanced fitness center. Start your day with a delicious breakfast and use this guide as your own map to walk through the history of the city.
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- National Civil Rights Museum
- Slave Haven Museum
- Museum Of Science & History
- Memphis Rock N’ Soul Museum
- Memphis Vitality Hotel – Best Stay for History Lovers
National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum is a comprehensive complex of museums and historic buildings centered around the Lorraine Motel—the very site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.
Two neighboring buildings and an adjacent structure are integral parts of the museum complex. The immersive experience allows visitors to retrace the history of civil rights in the United States, spanning from the 17th century to today, and highlights the pivotal demonstrations that took place in Memphis during the late 1970s as African Americans rallied for equal rights.
Following an extensive renovation, the museum reopened its doors in 2014 with a fresh approach that includes multimedia content, interactive exhibits, and short films detailing the events that unfolded in Memphis during that transformative period.
In 2016, the museum was further distinguished by receiving an affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution—a mark of excellence in historical preservation and education.
You can secure your visit by booking tickets online or by arriving in person; just be sure to review the museum’s schedule for any days it may be closed. This is truly one of the must-visit museums in Memphis for history lovers who are eager to understand the struggle for civil rights in America.
Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum preserves the legacy of a covert network that once provided secret routes, trails, churches, and safe houses for enslaved African Americans seeking freedom. Established primarily by free African Americans and abolitionists during the early to mid-19th century, the Underground Railroad is credited with helping over 100,000 slaves escape between 1810 and 1850, with approximately half of them reaching the safety of Canada.
Since 1990—and continuing under the guidance of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998 signed by Bill Clinton—efforts have been made to identify and preserve every site associated with this remarkable chapter in history.
At 826 North Second Street, visitors can admire the white wooden home of Jacob Burkle, a German immigrant who arrived in Memphis during the height of the slave trade in Tennessee. In 1856, Burkle, already an active member of the abolitionist movement, used his basement as a safe haven to shelter and conceal fugitive slaves traveling along the Underground Railroad.
Purchased in 1985 by Helen Phillips, the home was transformed into what is now known as the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum. It first opened its doors to the public in 1991, allowing guests to step back in time and honor the courageous efforts of those who fought against the injustice of slavery.
Today, the museum is managed by Heritage Tours. Although this historic site is currently closed and awaiting renovation after sustaining significant fire damage in January 2024, it remains an essential landmark for those seeking to visit the must-visit museums in Memphis for history lovers and pay tribute to the heroes of freedom.
Museum Of Science & History
The Museum Of Science & History (MoSH) is a multifaceted museum complex that caters to a wide range of interests.
It features captivating exhibits and dynamic shows at the planetarium within the Pink Palace Museum & Mansion, alongside 65 acres of unspoiled nature and wildlife at the Lichterman Nature Center. In addition, the MoSH complex includes world-renowned historic homes such as the Mallory-Neely House and the Magevney House, as well as the Coon Creek Science Center.
A visit to Memphis’s MoSH promises an engaging experience for every visitor. Whether you are interested in science, history, or nature, this museum offers a full day of learning, fun, and excitement.
Memphis Rock N’ Soul Museum
Located at 191 Beale Street in Memphis, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum brings to life the story of the pioneering musicians who overcame significant racial, economic, and social challenges to create musical genres that have had a profound global impact. Originating as a research project by the Smithsonian Institution in celebration of its 150th anniversary, the museum offers visitors an in-depth look at the musical heritage that defines Memphis.
The museum explores various facets of the city’s rich musical history, from the urban sounds of Beale Street in the 1940s and the revolutionary contributions of Sun Records and Sam Phillips in the 1950s to the innovative spirit of Stax Records and the creation of Memphis soul music.
During your visit, you can take advantage of the audio guide to listen to over 100 songs recorded in Memphis and its surrounding areas between 1930 and 1970. In addition to the audio experience, the museum displays a variety of audiovisual programs, vintage musical instruments, and authentic costumes that further enrich the narrative.
Memphis Vitality Hotel: the best place to stay in Memphis for history lovers
If you are searching for a hotel conveniently located near these iconic historical sites, the Vitality Memphis Hotel offers a comfortable and exclusive stay with all the modern amenities you need to unwind after a day of museum hopping.
Ideally situated for those eager to explore the must-visit museums in Memphis for history lovers, this hotel provides a relaxing retreat with easy access to the city’s top cultural attractions.
Don’t delay in securing your reservation—visit our booking section and choose your preferred room from the range available. Enjoy a hassle-free booking experience and prepare for an unforgettable stay that perfectly complements your journey through Memphis’s story.