Alabama has a new museum dedicated to events that many consider the start of the civil rights movement in America, the Scottsboro Boys Trials.

In 1931 nine young black defendants faced charges of attacking two white women on a train. The juries in their trials were entirely white, and the defense attorneys had little experience in criminal law and no time to prepare their cases. Ultimately the cases against the Scottsboro Boys was heard by the United States Supreme Court twice in Powell v. Alabama and Norris v. Alabama. Decisions from the two Supreme Court cases established for all Americans the principles that criminal defendants are entitled to effective assistance of counsel and that people may not be excluded from juries because of their race.

Currently there is no admittance charge to tour the Scottsboro Boys Museum & Cultural Center, located at the historic Joyce Chapel at 428 W. Willow Street in Scottsboro, however tax deductable donations are welcome. Museum hours are 2nd and 3rd Saturdays from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. For large groups or educational groups call for an appointment at 256-244-1310.