DEARBORN, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Henry Ford will soon be expanding its collection of civil rights artifacts.

The museum recently acquired a historic home in Selma, Alabama. The home of Dr. and Mrs. Sullivan Jackson, referred to as the Jackson house, is currently owned by their daughter Jawana Jackson. Her childhood home was the meeting place for civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., during the planning of the historic march to Montgomery.

"The house became a safe haven for Dr. King during the time period they were planning the Selma to Montgomery march. And many other civil rights activists and colleagues of his came to the home during that time. It was unsafe at that time for Black Americans to stay in hotels," said Patricia Mooradian.

Mooradian is the president and CEO of the Henry Ford. She says she received a call from Jackson about the home about a year ago. She says Jackson, who has no heirs to pass the home to, did some research on Greenfield Village and wanted the home to be preserved there.

https://www.wxyz.com/news/region/wayne-county/the-henry-ford-acquires-historic-home-that-served-as-a-meeting-place-for-civil-rights-leaders