In Greensboro on Feb. 1, 1960, four African American college students—Ezell Blair Jr., Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and David Richmond—planned a peaceful protest at the lunch counter of F.W. Woolworth’s five-and-dime, where it was policy to refuse service to anyone who was not white. The sit-in quickly turned into a 300-student protest at Woolworth’s and neighboring businesses. The movement rapidly caught the media’s attention and sparked college students throughout the North and South to plan their sit-in protests. The old Woolworth’s building has been turned into the International Civil Rights Center and Museum and welcomes everyone to sit at the counter and learn about the groundbreaking protest.
The significant educational site focuses on the American Civil Rights Movement. The museum is particularly renowned for commemorating the actions of the “A&T Four,” a group of students who initiated the sit-in movement at this very location on February 1, 1960. This pivotal event sparked widespread protests against racial segregation nationwide and remains a foundational moment in the civil rights struggle.
Educational programs at the museum provide students with an immersive experience in civil rights history. Through guided tours, students engage in exhibits detailing sit-ins, the broader Civil Rights Movement, and the ongoing fight for social justice. The museum features a variety of multimedia displays, including videos and artifacts, which enhance the learning experience by providing personal stories and historical context. Programs are designed to foster critical thinking about civil rights issues, encouraging students to reflect on their significance today.
Field trips to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum are well-suited for various areas of study, particularly social studies, history and civics. They align with educational goals emphasizing civic responsibility, social justice, and historical empathy. Students gain a deeper appreciation for the struggles and triumphs that shaped American society and are encouraged to discuss and debate the implications of these historical events on contemporary issues.
In addition to guided tours, the museum offers specific programs tailored to different educational levels, including interactive workshops and discussions that can complement classroom learning.
