PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Melissa Snow-Clark
Phone: 205.328.9696, ext. 211
Fax: 205.323.5219
E-mail: mclark@bcri.org
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to Participate in CNN’s “A look into the Sixties:
An Exhibition on the Decade that Changed the World,” in Vanderbilt Hall in
New York City’s historic Grand Central Terminal On May 27-May 30, 2014
May 23, 2014 --The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) is one of 11 Smithsonian-affiliated museums
and private collectors participating in CNN’s “Look into the Sixties, An Exhibition on the Decade that Changed the
World,” a special exhibition that opens to the public on Tuesday, May 27, at Vanderbilt Hall in New York
City’s historic Grand Central Terminal. The exhibit, which celebrates the 1960s — an era of momentous
change in America — coincides with the May 29 premiere of THE SIXTIES a new series for CNN, executive
produced by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this historic location to tell the story of the 1960s,”stated Ahmad Ward, BCRI’s
Head of Education and Exhibitions. “This exhibition provides unprecedented exposure to BCRI and other
Affiliate museums across the country and we hope that – by giving the public a taste of what is available to
them at these world-class museums – it will encourage more visits and greater interest in our collections.”
The exhibition features items emblematic of the people, topics, and events explored in the 10 episodes of THE
SIXTIES. Visitors to the exhibit will have the opportunity to see artifacts on loan by 11 Smithsonian-affiliated
museums from around the country, as well as other local museums, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and
Museum, and private collectors. Items on loan from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute include: The
original bench from the Alabama jail cell where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. penned his famous Letter From A
Birmingham Jail, Dr. King’s trial chair, The Birmingham Jail cell key, a colored café sign and three photographs
from BCRI’s Freedom Riders exhibition.
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Birmingham Civil Rights Institute ● 520 16th Street North ● Birmingham, AL 35203 ● www.bcri.org ● 205-328-9696
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Page 2 BCRI to participate in Sixties Exhibition in New York Grand Central Terminal
Other noteworthy artifacts on loan from other museums include:
Models of the Cold War-era Titan II and Minuteman II missiles
Four seats from the Greensboro, N.C., Woolworth store lunch counter where the sit-in movement began in 1960
The infamous Beatles “Butcher” album cover, the original cover art for their album,Yesterday and Today
The television camera used to record to historic Nixon/Kennedy debate, the first-ever televised presidential
debate
the in-flight coveralls worn by Neil Armstrong while training for his flight to the moon
“We are so pleased to be partnering with the Smithsonian and its Affiliates on this inspiring, evocative
exhibition. Bringing the series to life through these artifacts adds a unique dimension to our storytelling, and
will allow visitors to experience first-hand this look at the 10 dynamic, turbulent years that changed the
world,” said Jeff Zucker, president of CNN Worldwide. To find out more about the CNN special, go to
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/us/the-sixties
About Smithsonian Affiliations
Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develop long-term, collaborative partnerships with museums, educational
and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian resources. There are more than 190 Smithsonian Affiliates in 45
states, Puerto Rico and Panama. More information about Smithsonian Affiliations may be found by visitinghttp://affiliations.si.edu.
About BCRI The mission of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) is to promote civil and human rights
worldwide through education. Opening in 1992, BCRI presents an in-depth look at the Civil Rights Movement
through time, from before the movement's inception through today’s international struggle for universal human
rights. BCRI is more than just a museum; it is a place of research, a teaching facility and an acknowledged
learning center for people of all ages and backgrounds. Each year, BCRI reaches more than 140,000 individuals
through tours and exhibitions as well as school and community outreach, public programs, special events, and
archival collections. Ask about Military, AAA and Smithsonian Discounts! Call 205-328-9696 or
www.bcri.org for more information.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute ● 520 16th Street North ● Birmingham, AL 35203 ● www.bcri.org ● 205-328-9696