Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home : Interesting Facts, History & Travel Guide

The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument is a historic site in Jackson, Mississippi, that honors the legacy of two civil rights leaders who fought for racial equality and justice in the United States.

The monument includes the home where Medgar and Myrlie Evers lived with their children, and it has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and a national monument.

In this article, we will explore the interesting history and facts behind the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, as well as provide a travel guide for those who plan to visit and pay their respects to these remarkable figures in American history.

Interesting facts about Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument

1. The monument is located in Jackson, Mississippi, and was established in 2020. It is the first national monument dedicated to the civil rights movement in Mississippi.
2. The home belonged to civil rights leaders Medgar and Myrlie Evers. Medgar Evers was the first field secretary for the Mississippi NAACP and was assassinated in the driveway of the home in 1963. Myrlie Evers, his wife, became a civil rights activist in her own right and later served as the chair of the NAACP.
3. The home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2016 before becoming a national monument.
4. The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument includes the house where the Evers family lived, as well as the adjacent vacant lot where Medgar Evers was assassinated. The monument also includes a visitor center and outdoor exhibits.
5. The home was meticulously restored to its 1960s appearance and includes original furnishings and personal belongings of the Evers family, providing visitors with a glimpse into their daily lives and struggles for civil rights.
6. The monument serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by civil rights activists like the Evers family, and the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States.
7. The creation of the monument was the result of years of advocacy by local civil rights activists, who saw the importance of preserving the Evers family home as a site of historical significance and as a place of education and inspiration for future generations.

How old was Medgar Evers when he died?

Medgar Evers was 37 years old when he was assassinated on June 12, 1963, in the driveway of his home in Jackson, Mississippi.

Medgar Evers last words

Medgar Evers’ last words were reported to be “Turn me loose, I’m a soldier”, which he said to his wife Myrlie as she tried to help him after he was shot in the driveway of their home.

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Information & History of Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument

The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument is a historic site in Jackson, Mississippi, that commemorates the lives and legacies of two prominent civil rights leaders, Medgar and Myrlie Evers. The monument includes the home where the Evers family lived from 1956 until Medgar Evers was assassinated in the driveway in 1963. The home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2016, and in 2020, it was designated a national monument by President Donald Trump.

Medgar Evers was born in 1925 in Decatur, Mississippi, and became a civil rights activist early in life. He served in World War II and then attended Alcorn A&M College, where he became involved in the NAACP. In 1954, he became the first field secretary for the Mississippi NAACP and worked tirelessly to desegregate schools, voting booths, and public accommodations.

On June 12, 1963, Medgar Evers was assassinated in the driveway of his home by a white supremacist named Byron De La Beckwith. Beckwith was not convicted of the crime until 1994, after two previous trials resulted in hung juries.

Myrlie Evers, Medgar’s wife, became a civil rights activist in her own right after her husband’s death. She continued to work with the NAACP and other civil rights organizations, and in 1969, she became the first African American woman to serve on the Los Angeles Board of Public Works. In 1995, she was elected chair of the NAACP, a position she held until 1998.

The Evers family home became a site of activism and resistance during the civil rights movement, and it was frequently targeted by white supremacists. After Medgar’s death, Myrlie Evers continued to live in the house with their children and became an advocate

Travel Guide for Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument

If you are planning to visit the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, here’s a travel guide to help you make the most of your visit:

Location: The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument is located at 2332 Margaret Walker Alexander Drive in Jackson, Mississippi.

Getting There: The monument is easily accessible by car, and there is ample parking available on-site. It is located approximately 10 miles from the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport.

Hours of Operation: The monument is open to the public from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and federal holidays.

Admission: Admission to the monument is free.

What to See and Do: The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument includes the Evers family home, which has been meticulously restored to its 1960s appearance. The home is filled with original furnishings and personal belongings of the Evers family, providing visitors with a glimpse into their daily lives and struggles for civil rights. The monument also includes the adjacent vacant lot where Medgar Evers was assassinated, as well as a visitor center and outdoor exhibits.

Guided Tours: Guided tours of the monument are available upon request. The tours are led by knowledgeable park rangers who can provide additional context and information about the site and its significance.

Accessibility: The monument is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, with wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms available on-site.

Nearby Attractions: There are several other historic sites and cultural attractions in Jackson, including the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Mississippi Museum of Art, and the Eudora Welty House and Garden.

Overall, a visit to the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument provides a powerful and moving experience that highlights the ongoing struggle for civil rights and racial justice in the United States.

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