The Museum of African American History presents Signs of Freedom, a new exhibit installation celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, on view through February 2013.  Poignant scenes captured by Memphis photographer Ernest Withers include protest signs from the Civil Rights era, and powerful broadsides from the Abolitionist Movement recall incredible campaigns for human liberty.  These visible signs are reminders of organized peaceful resistance, including sit-ins, freedom rides, strikes, boycotts, marches and other actions to acquire citizenship rights.

The Museum hosts an opening celebration on Thursday, December 6 with holiday refreshments from 12noon - 6pm and Exhibit Talk with Executive Director Beverly Morgan-Welch beginning at 5pm.

Signs of Freedom is a prelude to Freedom Rising, a yearlong exhibit and programming commemorating the Sesquicentennial of the Emancipation Proclamation and of the Massachusetts 54^th Regiment, the first black soldiers from the north to serve in the Civil War. 

Dr. King asserted that two documents are essential to the nation, American identity and this democracy.  The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, provided the foundation for freedom from Great Britain and national ideals.  The Emancipation Proclamation, January 1, 1863, declared all persons enslaved in states in rebellion free.

General admission: $5.00; youth 13 - 17 years and seniors 62+: $3.00; Members and all kids 12 years & under: free.  For more information, visit www.maah.org or call 617.725.0022, ext. 222.