The Ramsey County Historical Society on April 24 opened a new exhibit, “Selma 70,” at the Landmark Center, honoring the journey of 70 Minnesota residents who traveled to Selma, Alabama, in 2015 to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic Selma to Montgomery marches.
The exhibit features photographs, oral histories and artifacts from the trip, drawing a connection between the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and ongoing struggles for voting rights today.
“We wanted to show how history lives on through people who carry its message forward,” said Chad Roberts, executive director of the historical society. “This exhibit reflects that commitment.”
In 1965, civil rights leaders including Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis led three marches from Selma to Montgomery, demanding voting rights for Black Americans. On March 7, known as Bloody Sunday, state troopers attacked peaceful protesters at the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
The violence shocked the nation and spurred congressional support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed discriminatory voting practices and authorized federal oversight of elections in certain jurisdictions.
Fifty years later, in 2015, more than 70 Saint Paul-area residents joined thousands of others in Selma for a commemorative march. “Selma 70” highlights their experience through interviews and imagery, placing personal stories at the center of the display.
“We saw how people in Selma turned pain into power,” said one participant. “That legacy is our responsibility now.”
The exhibit opened with a panel discussion as part of the History Revealed series, where attendees reflected on civic engagement and the importance of protecting voting rights. Among the speakers were several individuals who took part in the 2015 pilgrimage.
Katheryn Hogan, a Saint Paul resident who visited the exhibit’s opening, said the experience left a lasting impression. “It was humbling,” she said. “I left asking myself, what am I doing right now to protect democracy?”
The exhibit’s launch comes amid renewed national debate over voter access. The SAVE Act, a bill recently introduced by House Republicans, seeks to require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. Supporters say the measure is aimed at safeguarding election integrity.
However, voting rights advocates warn that the bill could disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including communities of color, immigrants, and low-income Americans. Critics say the requirement for additional documentation could deter eligible voters and revive barriers similar to those targeted by the Voting Rights Act.
“This is exactly why Selma 70 matters right now,” said a local organizer during the exhibit’s panel. “The past isn’t history — it’s a mirror.”
Visitors have described the exhibit as emotional and timely, noting its relevance to ongoing conversations about race and democracy. One attendee said she brought her teenage daughter “so she could understand that voting is sacred and still under threat.”
Organizers say they hope the exhibit will inspire reflection and action. “It’s not just about what happened in 1965 or 2015,” Roberts said. “It’s about what each of us chooses to do now.”
“Selma 70” is open to the public at the Landmark Center, 75 W. Fifth St., during regular Ramsey County Historical Society hours. Admission is free. More information is available at rchs.com.
