Memphis will mark a historic milestone this January as the National Civil Rights Museum commemorates the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, honoring the life and legacy of one of the most influential leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.
Observed nationally since 1986, Martin Luther King Jr. Day recognizes Dr. King’s leadership as the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the fight against racial discrimination in federal and state law. In Memphis, the holiday carries profound meaning. Dr. King was assassinated here on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel — now preserved as the National Civil Rights Museum — making the city a central site of remembrance, reflection, and continued action.
The Museum not only stands at the location of Dr. King’s death, but also guides visitors through the full historical arc of Black life in America, from enslavement through the Civil Rights Movement, where Memphis played a critical role, and ultimately to the legacy Dr. King left behind.
On Sunday, January 19, the National Civil Rights Museum will host a full day of programming from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., inviting the community to gather in remembrance and service. This year’s observance also launches the Museum’s Legacy Year, celebrating its 35th anniversary and the reopening of The Legacy Experience, a reimagined exhibit space that looks at how civil rights history continues to shape the present.
“This milestone year is not only about looking back at what Dr. King stood for, but also recognizing the people who continue to make his ideals real today,” said Dr. Russell Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum. “We are reimagining how legacies live and how the community plays an essential role in shaping the future of civil and human rights.”
To ensure broad community access, museum admission will be free all day, courtesy of FedEx, allowing visitors to experience the Museum and its exhibits at no cost.
King Day 2026 Highlights
The day’s events are designed to honor Dr. King’s legacy through education, service, and celebration, including:
- Free museum admission from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., sponsored by FedEx
- Family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts and interactive learning stations
- Main stage entertainment featuring local and regional performers
- A Community Resource Pavilion connecting attendees with civic organizations and health and wellness services
- Food trucks and local vendors throughout the day
- Hands-on service opportunities, including a food drive with Mid-South Food Bank, blood donation with Vitalant, and service projects with community partners
As Memphis honors the 40th anniversary of the federal King holiday, the National Civil Rights Museum continues to serve as both a place of remembrance and a call to action — reminding visitors that Dr. King’s vision lives on through collective effort, service, and unity.
Community members are encouraged to register in advance and join the Museum on January 19 to honor Dr. King’s legacy through action.
