Know their story.

“We are committed to advancing reconciliation and healing, while promoting civil rights.”

The Scottsboro Boys Museum commemorates the lives and legacy of nine young African Americans who, in the 1930s, became international symbols of race-based injustice in the American South, and celebrates the positive actions of those of all colors, creeds, and origins who have taken a stand against the tyranny of racial oppression.

Plan Your Visit

  • "Thank you for continuing to bear witness and tell the tragic American story"

    Brenda and James, Sauk City, WI

  • "Fabulous, Informative, Necessary"

    Elizabeth and Ron, Harrison, TN

  • "Beautifully displayed, enjoyed learning"

    Grace and Laurel, Aurora, IL

  • "Very illuminating material"

    Marco and Nancy, Rome, Italy

  • "A wonderful display of History!"

    Myah, Minneapolis, MN 

  • "Very well done and compelling"

    Susan, Melbourne, FL

  • "So poignant"

    Jaqui, Sussex, UK

  • "Impressive presentation"

    Susette, Austin, TX

  • "Very, Very Great Review"

    Rosa, Yonkers, NY

  • "Keep fighting the good fight!!"

    Seth and Cynthiana, KY

  • "Very Impressive"

    Simon, Kathy, and Lena, Germany

  • "Insightful and thought-provoking"

    Annabel, London,UK

  • "Great Museum!"

    Anne, Kansas City, MS

  • "Thank you for creating this necessary historical museum"

    Jamyl, Boston MA

The Scottsboro Boys Museum is located in historic Joyce Chapel. This building was home to the first African American church in Jackson County and has a rich history dating back to the 1800s.

The Scottsboro Boys Museum was founded in 2010 by local activist Shelia Washington. The museum is also supported by a wonderful Board of Directors. The museum went through a renovation starting in 2020 and reopened to the public in 2022. We are continuing to expand with our Outdoor Exhibit project. If you want to learn more about our mission, click the button below!

About Us

UPCOMING EVENTS

The museum is partnering with local, independent bookstore BOOK CLUB to host a Classic Literature club on Harper Lee’s 1960 novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” This event will connect Lee’s hit novel to the true story of the Scottsboro Nine.

july 16: TKMB Book Club

6 p.m. CST at BOOK CLUB in Fort Payne

Learn More

Find us on the Civil Rights Trail

The Scottsboro Boys Museum makes an ideal starting point for your journey along Alabama's Civil Rights Trail. The defendants' years of disappointment and heartaches left in its wake a somber trail; but it was a path that helped clarify many of the tactics and strategies which would benefit later civil rights struggles.