First read is on us.

Subscribe today to keep up with the latest travel industry news.

Site of Martin Luther King, Jr. assassination to open to public for the first time


Skift Take

The simplicity of the Memphis site has always been one of its strengths, and the opportunity to stand at the actual location is likely to connect visitors to the moment in a powerful way.

The balcony where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis is now open for visitors for the first time since the National Civil Rights Museum opened in 1991.

The museum says visitors on Monday were able to stand on the spot where King was fatally shot on April 4, 1968.

The museum stands on the grounds of the former Lorraine Motel, where King stayed while supporting a sanitation workers strike. It includes various exhibits about the history of the civil rights movement and allows visitors to see the room where King stayed.

The balcony will be open temporarily, likely closing around the time when renovations to the museum end in 2014.

Copyright (2012) Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Up Next

Experiences

How Travel Brands Can Seize the ‘Q5’ Opportunity on TikTok

Driven by increased spending on experiences and the digital habits of younger audiences, TikTok has emerged as a key platform for inspiring and shaping travel decisions. Leveraging the platform’s reach early in the year presents a unique opportunity for travel brands to connect with eager travelers.
Sponsored
Hotels

New Loyalty Program Journey Targets Independent Boutique Hotels

The new startup Journey faces significant challenges in building consumer adoption and achieving the necessary scale to compete with established loyalty programs. But its notable backers believe it's addressing critical pain points in today's loyalty system.