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Troy University’s Rosa Park Museum reopened to visitors on Monday, Jan. 15 following renovations to the museum’s technology.

The museum closed on Nov. 22 for the project which converted all analog technology to digital, high definition. In addition, the video reenactment of the scene that took place aboard a Montgomery city bus that led to Mrs. Parks’ Dec. 1, 1955, arrest was completely reproduced. The project marked the first major upgrade of the museum since its opening in 2000.

“We are excited to reopen our doors following these improvements that we believe will provide an enhanced experience for our visitors,” said Donna Beisel, the museum’s Director of Operations. “Our mission is to honor the legacy of Mrs. Parks and that of the bus boycott, and we believe these improvements, along with other future upgrades, will equip us to offer a better experience and engage more effectively with our guests.”

The improvements were made possible in part thanks to a $150,000 grant from the Daniel Foundation of Alabama and represent one phase of a larger project to upgrade the museum. Future improvements will focus on the important roles that women and local churches played in the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Located on the University’s Montgomery Campus on the spot of Mrs. Parks’ historic 1955 arrest, the museum opened on Dec. 1, 2000, with the mission of interpreting the story and legacy of Mrs. Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott for future generations. Constructed on the site of the former Empire Theater, the museum has become a major landmark in the revitalization of downtown Montgomery and annually draws visitors from throughout the country and around the world.