This vandalized Emmett Till historical marker tells a violent story of ongoing American racism—past and present—and the story of communities committed to racial healing.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Institute, and the Emmett Till Interpretive Center have partnered to produce a traveling exhibit that tells the troubling story of the murder of young Emmett Till and the powerful ripple for justice that began with his mother’s brave actions. With a goal to educate, inspire, and foster a new generation that will repair past hatred and come together to build a bright future of peace and understanding, the exhibit experience will serve as a reminder that we have much more work to do to fight racial injustice and hatred.
Download the one-sheet
Information is shared about how Tallahatchie County community leaders and residents came together to begin the process of healing and reconciliation with the Till family. Visitors will see how this model of racial healing and resilience provides a path to healing for all of us.
A key artifact included in the exhibit is a roadside plaque commemorating the site where Emmett’s body may have been recovered from the Tallahatchie River. The sign featured in the exhibit made headlines after a group of students from the University of Mississippi posed in front of it with rifles and then posted their photo on Instagram in March of 2019. The signs at this particular spot have been repeatedly vandalized and have been replaced three times. The fourth sign installed is bulletproof and equipped with security cameras and alarms. This demonstrates the ongoing challenges faced by many communities as they strive to tell the truth about our nation’s difficult history of racism. The sign is displayed in conjunction with a powerful sound and light show that tells Emmett’s story and challenges visitors to think about what they can do in their own communities.
Visitors are challenged to commit to racial healing and social justice in their own communities and are asked to join Mamie’s powerful “ripple for justice.” Through interactive touchscreens, guests can be a part of positive change in their community by pledging to commit to continuing Mamie’s Ripple for Justice.
Information is shared about how Tallahatchie County community leaders and residents came together to begin the process of healing and reconciliation with the Till family. Visitors will see how this model of racial healing and resilience provides a path to healing for all of us.
A key artifact included in the exhibit is a roadside plaque commemorating the site where Emmett’s body may have been recovered from the Tallahatchie River. The sign featured in the exhibit made headlines after a group of students from the University of Mississippi posed in front of it with rifles and then posted their photo on Instagram in March of 2019. The signs at this particular spot have been repeatedly vandalized and have been replaced three times. The fourth sign installed is bulletproof and equipped with security cameras and alarms. This demonstrates the ongoing challenges faced by many communities as they strive to tell the truth about our nation’s difficult history of racism. The sign is displayed in conjunction with a powerful sound and light show that tells Emmett’s story and challenges visitors to think about what they can do in their own communities.
Visitors are challenged to commit to racial healing and social justice in their own communities and are asked to join Mamie’s powerful “ripple for justice.” Through interactive touchscreens, guests can be a part of positive change in their community by pledging to commit to continuing Mamie’s Ripple for Justice.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Spring 2024 | Spencer Museum of Art, KU, Lawrence, KS |
| Summer 2024 | Pending |
| Fall 2024 | Available |
| Spring 2025 | Pending |
| Summer 2025 | Pending |
| Fall 2025 | Pending |
| Spring 2026 |
Pending |
| Summer 2026 |
Available |
| Fall 2026 |
Available |
| Spring 2027 |
Available |
| Summer 2027 |
Available |
| Fall 2027 |
Available |
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Indianapolis, IN, USA 46208-4716
317-334-4000
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit organization with a mission to ignite joy, wonder, and curiosity by creating powerful learning experiences for children and adults.
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