old depot museum

This city museum is located inside an old train depot that was once used as a forensics lab. Next to the depot is the location of the old foundry where ironclads for the Confederates were built. This museum has been here for a long time and covers all of Selma's history. It used to be a hodgepodge of items that were anything but organized. Under new management it is still a work in progress but very well laid out and labeled. Much to see so take your time and ask questions. Also contains proof that there were no deaths from "Bloody Sunday".

Selma's history runs deeper than just the Civil Rights movement. The items on display span the life of this great city. The renovations to the building will take you back in time and make the museum seem alive. The back yard has an old caboose and old foundry items. Also out back, a wonderful display of the old Fire Department tools, pumps and trucks. It is well worth the money and time and a must visit when in Selma.

This museum is a hodgepodge of memorabilia from the area, some of which relates to the civil rights struggle and "Bloody Sunday." Selma in its heyday was an elegant, vibrant and affluent city which is reflected in its beautiful buildings (including the Old Depot itself) and in many of the displays in the museum. It was also surrounded by poverty and built by the poor which one can also see at the museum. The director of the Old Depot is a dynamo, local to the area, and a joy to talk to. This museum like the entire town of Selma is a testament to fallen glory and an unexpected surprise rising out of the cotton fields of central Alabama.

We were on a road trip and decided to stop in Selma, Alabama. We visited th Old Depot Museum. It had a lot of interesting historical collections of old pictures, antebellum artifacts, and things from the civil war and civil rights era. It was interesting and worth the stop.

As with the other reviewers, we stumbled into a chance to take a tour with the new director. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and some of the collection is rare and excellent. The 19th century fire engine is incredible! They are working to catalog and organize an eclectic collection of "stuff". We hope to return in a few year to see the progress.

The day I went the new director was in the process of cleaning and organizing. There is a lot of material here. The most interesting is the treatment log from the hospital where patients went after being beaten in the Bloody Sunday police riot.

Like a previous writer, I, too, had the privilege of taking a personal tour of the Old Depot Museum hosted by Otha Carneal. Truly Mr. Carneal was proud of the Museum and proud of Selma where he and his wife of 65 years, Mary Steele Herrington Carneal, grew up. Too few people have such civic pride and give so much to their community.

I had the distinct advantage of several trips to the Old Depot Museum while Otha Carneal was still actively involved. His tours were entertaining and most educational--greatly enhanced as a result of his obvious and sincere dedication to his town and love for the Museum. I understand he has now fully retired, but know that his influence on the Museum's present--and future--success will continue. Thanks, Selma! Thanks, Otha!!