Visit America’s Courtroom
The Johnson Institute works in partnership with the U. S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, housed in the Frank M. Johnson, Jr. U.S. Courthouse Complex in Montgomery, Alabama. The courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. It is a destination on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.
The historic courtroom, with its opulent stenciled ceiling and elegant star field behind the bench, was occupied by Judge Johnson during his time as a U.S. District Judge from 1955 until 1979. This courtroom played a central role in effectively dealing with resistance to emerging civil rights laws and fostering national civil rights legislation. It was a safe haven and often called “an oasis of justice.”
It came to be known as “America’s Courtroom,” and it forms a network with other Montgomery landmarks from the Civil Rights Era that bear witness to the nationally and internationally significant events that occurred here and still resonate today.
“America’s Courtroom” still serves as a functional courtroom today and is occupied by Judge Myron H. Thompson, who succeeded Judge Johnson on the district bench.
To register for a tour, contact us using one of the forms below. We offer regular tours on Fridays at 2:00 p.m. for individuals and small groups who have registered in advance. If you are the representative of a larger group, we are happy to work with you to arrange a tour Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Please note that because the Frank M. Johnson U.S. Courthouse Complex is a working courthouse, not all requests can be accommodated. The earlier you can submit a request, the more likely we are able to accommodate you. Photo ID is required for entry. Cell phones and similar electronics are not permitted under courthouse guidelines.
The Frank M. Johnson Courthouse is located at 1 Church St. Montgomery, AL 36104.
Sign Up for a Friday Tour
Please fill out the form below to join a regular tour on Friday afternoons at 2 p.m., and we will be in touch to confirm your visit and share further information.
