The original Woolworth lunch counter stools were preserved and remain in their original positions within the museum.
The 1960 Greensboro sit-in was organized by students Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair Jr., and David Richmond, collectively known as the Greensboro Four.
The museum building is a designated National Historic Landmark, recognized for its role in the Civil Rights Movement.
The museum officially opened to the public on February 1, 2010, exactly 50 years after the initial protest.
A portion of the original lunch counter was donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
The International Civil Rights Center & Museum occupies the historic F.W. Woolworth building in downtown Greensboro, the site of the February 1, 1960, lunch counter sit-in. This institution preserves the original lunch counter where four North Carolina A&T State University students sparked a nationwide movement against segregation. The museum features permanent exhibits documenting the timeline of the American Civil Rights Movement and the global struggle for human rights. Visitors walk through interactive galleries that include a recreated 1960s Woolworth’s and footage of the non-violent protests that followed the initial demonstration. It functions as both a repository of history and an educational resource regarding the social impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The facility is managed by a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching the legacy of the Greensboro Four. The exhibits integrate audiovisual components with historical artifacts salvaged from the original building. It remains one of the most significant sites for understanding the shift in American racial dynamics during the mid-20th century.
The restored original lunch counter stools, which provide a powerful visual connection to the 1960 protests.
Guided tours are required to access the main exhibit floor, so book your time slot in advance.
Allow time to read the extensive signage and watch the documentary films, as the content is dense and historical.
Visit the gift shop for literature specifically curated on North Carolina's role in the civil rights struggle.
Attempting to enter the exhibit galleries without joining a scheduled guided tour group.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor, as the museum focuses on somber and significant historical events.
