The International Civil Rights Center and Museum is less than 50 days from opening its doors and an invitation-only crowd got a first look inside on Tuesday.

The museum is already paid for but the 1960 Society Campaign is working to raise money to help with operating costs.

"It's going to bring a tremendous amount of tourism to Greensboro and a lot of national publicity," said Neil Belenky, head of the 1960 Society Campaign. "The museum will require a level of community support to sustain."

Museum officials are asking the community to help cover 20% of the day-to-day operations at the museum. The total cost will be $1 million annually. The remainder of the funding will come from admission fees, program revenues and the city and county.

Executive Director Amelia Parker said artifacts from Martin Luther King to the Tuskeegee Airman will be featured at the museum.

Parker said the museum is slated to open February 1, 2010.
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