This year marks the 50th anniversary of the student sit-ins at the Greensboro, N.C. lunch counter. To commemorate this event, the Museum is exploring stories of Freedom and Justice throughout 2010.

• In tribute to Lena Horne (June 30, 1917–May 9, 2010)
• Singing for freedom at the White House
• How do you exhibit commitment?
• Coloring Frida Kahlo
• A teacher's perspective on the Greensboro Sit-In Youth Town Hall
• Powerful lessons from the Greensboro Four
• Step by step to freedom and justice
• When history comes to life

• Smithsonian Marks 50th Anniversary of Greensboro Lunch Counter Sit-in: Original Protesters Receive James Smithson Bicentennial Medals (February 3, 2010)
• "Courage at the Greensboro Lunch Counter" (Smithsonian Magazine)

On February 1, 1960, four African American college students sat down at a lunch counter at Woolworth’s in Greensboro, North Carolina, and politely asked for service. Their request was refused. When asked to leave, they remained in their seats. Their passive resistance and peaceful sit-down demand helped ignite a youth-led movement to challenge racial inequality throughout the South.

View more images from the sit-ins.

• VIDEO: How did the Woolworth's lunch counter become part of Museum's collections?
• VIDEO: What don't you see when you first encounter the lunch counter?
• VIDEO: What was the impact of the sit-ins?
• See photos and additional video interviews about the counter on the Object of History Web site.

TEACHERS: Check out the Learning Resources page for a page for a teacher guide and streaming video of "Join the Student Sit-ins" for the classroom.

You are invited to experience "Stories of Justice and Freedom" events throughout the year including the 9th Annual Celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month focusing on "Jazz and Justice" and two naturalization ceremonies in June and September. As date and location information is available it will be added to the calendar below.

Don't miss our Historic Theater programs!

• Join the Student Sit-Ins. Meet a civil rights activist who will train you for your first sit-in. Decide if you would have the courage to fight for justice during the civil rights movement.
• Sing for Freedom: Freedom songs from the civil rights movement of the 1960s fill the halls in this rousing interactive presentation that explores the powerful role music played in the struggle for freedom.
• Check dates and times

OurStory is designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through children’s literature, everyday objects, and hands on activities. Suitable for home or classroom use.

Freedom on the Menu
Read a historical fiction story about the lunch counter from the point of view of a young girl named Connie. Her perspective weaves emotions together with the historical details of the protests.
Explore activities related to Freedom on the Menu

Martin's Big Words
Read an illustrated biography that traces Dr. King's life from his childhood and includes quotes from his writings and speeches. Explore Dr. King's story and then try fun activities to learn more about him and other brave Americans who worked on the civil rights movement.
Explore activities related to Martin's Big Words

Sitting for Justice
Learn how a portion of the Woolworth lunch counter from Greensboro, North Carolina, became part of the American civil rights movement collection at the National Museum of American History.
Article by curator William H. Yeingst (.pdf)

Exhibiting a New Icon
A discussion of some of the issues faced in exhibiting an icon of the American civil rights movement.
Article by curator William H. Yeingst (.pdf)