Selma Interpretive Center closes for construction until 2025

The Selma Interpretive Center that is part of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail has closed for a construction project that is expected to last until fall 2025. 

It is part of a $10 million renovation project of several buildings along Broad Street in Selma that began in December.

A press release from the National Park Service (NPS), which operates the trail, said that construction will focus on expanding the center's services for educational programming, accessibility, and community engagement.

“This construction project marks a critical step forward for the trail,” said Barbara Tagger, acting superintendent of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. “Once completed, the expanded Selma Interpretive Center will provide a premiere experience for visitors to more fully discover the history of the Voting Rights Movement, while also supporting the local economy.”

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. issued a statement Jan. 10 calling the expansion "long overdue."

"I thank President Joe Biden and Congresswoman Sewell for moving towards the original vision and the completion of this major anchor facility in downtown Selma," Perkins said.

The NPS said, "Historical facades at 8-10 Broad St. will be retained and preserved as part of the historic streetscape where marchers trekked in 1965. This project will build resiliency, enhance the visitor experience and improve the park’s ability to maintain the facilities."

In his Jan. 10 statement, Perkins thanked the city government administrative team for their hard work and the city council for "passing ordinances needed to allow the work to move forward. We are together, and we are moving forward."

Lowndes and Montgomery interpretive centers at the trail will remain open during the project.

Updates and other information may be found at www.nps.gov/semo and @SelmaToMontgomeryNationalHistoricTrail on Facebook.