Albany's link to history opens
ALBANY, GA (WALB) - The Civil Rights movement was a turning point in the history of Albany.
On Friday an expanded museum opened showcasing African Americans' struggle for equality and Albany's role in the movement.
Jay Polk takes us inside of the new facility.
Albany, Georgia's nickname is the Good Life City.
But life wasn't always so good for everyone here in Albany.
Dr. William Anderson recalls what it was like: "I was not accessed to the only hospital in town, Phoebe Putney. They would accept my patients, but only accept my patients to put them in the basement."
October 10, 2008 at 9:31 PM EDT - Updated June 30 at 4:45 PM
ALBANY, GA (WALB) - The Civil Rights movement was a turning point in the history of Albany. On Friday an expanded museum opened showcasing African Americans' struggle for equality and Albany's role in the movement.
Dr. William Anderson recalls what it was like: "I was not accessed to the only hospital in town, Phoebe Putney. They would accept my patients, but only accept my patients to put them in the basement."
Dr. Anderson said, "these students, while they doing nothing more than registering people to vote, they were being harassed, they were being locked up, they would be intimidated."
So Dr. Anderson got involved.
"Sitting in my office seeing people go to jail for my rights. It asort of pricked my conscience and I said I can't do that", said Dr. Anderson.
Eventually the struggle for equal was won. But, there wasn't a place worthy of showcasing the Civil Rights Era in Albany.
Until now.
The Albany Civil Rights Institute opened to visitors with a ribbon cutting featuring local dignitaries.
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Albany Civil Rights Institute opens
