MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For the first time, visitors to the National Civil Rights Museum were forced to go through security checkpoints which included metal detectors and bag checks.
Museum leaders also shut down several streets in the area including Mulberry, G.E. Patterson, Saint Martin, Butler and Huling.
The museum hired private security guards who helped Memphis Police keep the area surrounding the museum secure.
“It’s a different time than it once was so we want to make sure that we’re keeping our guests as safe as possible,” said Terri Freeman.
The museum also put measures in place to keep museum visitors and employees warm.
The National Civil Rights Museum will be open extended hours on Monday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission is $5.
You can get in for $3 if you bring canned goods or for free if you donate blood at Lifeblood’s annual King Day Blood Drive.
The Bloodmobile will be at the museum from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.
