National Park Service Commemorates 30th Anniversary of MLK National Historic Site
September 23,2010
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta will commemorate its 30th Anniversary on Sunday, October 10, 2010 with a community celebration, free and open to everyone. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will transport guests back to the 1930s, the period when Dr. King was a young boy and learned, played and worshipped in the Auburn Avenue neighborhood.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site has been one of Atlanta’s most visited destinations for many years, with more than 700,000 people from around the world enjoying the experience in 2009.
“The park uniquely blends historical significance with an urban environment, and that has been one of its appeals for 30 years,” said Judy Forte, superintendent of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and Preservation District. “The lovingly restored homes and buildings transport visitors back through time and reconnect them with critical social and cultural events. The park and its surroundings enable people to feel the presence of Dr. King, his family and his neighbors in a special way.”
At the October 10th celebration, all key destinations in the park will be open, with the exception of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, which currently is under renovation. This celebration also will include the grand re-opening of the museum bookstore and gift shop (managed by Eastern National), which recently relocated from Historic Fire Station No.6 into one of the newly restored Birth Home block historic dwellings at 497 Auburn Avenue. Dr. Christine King-Farris and her daughter, Ms. Angela Farris-Watkins, will host book signings.