As a bold civil rights movement leader, Martin Luther King Jr. was instrumental in bringing about change in America. The pastor, husband, and father campaigned for equal rights through nonviolent activism. Despite threats, jail time, and tense standoffs with opposing forces, King remained dedicated to improving the world around him. With his day of remembrance approaching, there are several places you can visit to learn more about this great man and help honor his legacy.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park – Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this 35-acre historical park offers glimpses into history beautifully preserved. You can visit the King’s home where Martin Luther spent his formative years. Step inside the church where Martin Luther King Jr. was baptized and later presided over as pastor. This park also includes the final resting place for King Jr. and his wife, allowing visitors to pay their respects.

National Civil Rights Museum – Including museums and preserved historic buildings, the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, is not to be missed. With fascinating and interactive exhibits, and the site of King’s tragic assassination, this multi-complex site offers a powerful experience to visitors.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights – This large facility in Atlanta, Georgia, offers eye-catching architecture and, more importantly, an in-depth look at the civil rights movement. One of the fascinating exhibits is “Voice to the Voiceless: The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection.” This revealing exhibit displays letters, papers, sermons, and personal effects that belonged to the prominent civil rights leader.

Lincoln Memorial – Site of the famous “I Have a Dream” speech, visitors can walk the steps in front of Lincoln’s statue in Washington, D.C., and appreciate the power King’s words carried on that day. While visiting D.C., don’t miss the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial that features a beautifully carved likeness of the man called the “Stone of Hope.”

First African Baptist Church – The “First” in First African Baptist Church is literal in that the congregation was formed in 1773 as the first of its kind in America. Located in Savannah, Georgia, this church created the first black Sunday School in the U.S. and produced the first missionary from North America with Pastor Leile.

Dexter Avenue Baptist Church – This place of worship in Montgomery, Alabama, holds a great history for both the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King, Jr. Both Vernon Johns(who was also a notable civil rights leader) and King were pastors here.