GREENSBORO N.C. (WGHP) -
The Sit-ins at the Woolworth's counter began on February 1, 1960, After several months of sit-ins, the Woolworth's counter in Greensboro was desegregated in July of 1960.
More than 30 years later in October 1993, Woolworth's closed its location in downtown Greensboro. Understanding the importance of the building, Skip Alston and Earl Jones formed the non-profit "Sit-in Movement Incorporated" to keep the building from being destroyed in hopes of one day making it a civil rights museum.
In 1995, a group raised enough money to buy the building. In 2001, phase one of construction on the building began. Workers began construction but several set-backs, including major leaks in the basement, slowed construction of the museum. While fund raising continued, Amelia parker was hired in 2004 to lead museum efforts. Workers then removed concrete walls to repair leaking in the building's basement.
A new, upgraded heating and ventilation system was installed to protect valuable artifacts from heat, humidity and moisture.
In 2005, two grand opening dates for the museum were missed. Crews had hoped to open the museum on the 45th anniversary. Construction continued until February 2009 when museum organizers announced an official opening date of February 2010, the 50th anniversary of the Greensboro Sit-ins.
More than 30 years later in October 1993, Woolworth's closed its location in downtown Greensboro. Understanding the importance of the building, Skip Alston and Earl Jones formed the non-profit "Sit-in Movement Incorporated" to keep the building from being destroyed in hopes of one day making it a civil rights museum.
In 1995, a group raised enough money to buy the building. In 2001, phase one of construction on the building began. Workers began construction but several set-backs, including major leaks in the basement, slowed construction of the museum. While fund raising continued, Amelia parker was hired in 2004 to lead museum efforts. Workers then removed concrete walls to repair leaking in the building's basement.
A new, upgraded heating and ventilation system was installed to protect valuable artifacts from heat, humidity and moisture.
In 2005, two grand opening dates for the museum were missed. Crews had hoped to open the museum on the 45th anniversary. Construction continued until February 2009 when museum organizers announced an official opening date of February 2010, the 50th anniversary of the Greensboro Sit-ins.
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