The US civil rights movement was one of the most important and patriotic eras in the nation’s history. Travel to experience this consequential history is both rewarding and challenging.
Planning such a journey isn’t easy. Long drives to and between the places where this history happened, varied closed-on days and often required advance appointments are a few of the factors facing the civil rights traveler.
This book makes the journey easier and more meaningful. Not only are readers provided with comprehensive planning information on destination cities where this history occurred, but they also benefit from narratives related to the people who made the civil rights movement one of the highest expressions of faith in our founding principles.
Written with intentionality, passion, and precision, Hanrahan’s debut is both an historical account and a travel guide, published to illuminate civil rights and African American history by exploring destinations “where you can learn about the quest for equality.” Beginning with a candid foray into Hanrahan’s own journey through civil rights history, readers will gain a snapshot of the lives behind some of historical activists, the courageous people commemorated in the landmarks featured in this guide. Hanrahan also offers practical recommendations for travel planning, including sample checklists and trip itineraries, alongside meticulously detailed information about historical destinations located primarily in the southern United States. Hanrahan packs this guide with powerful, black and white imagery to illustrate critical moments in civil rights history, adding to its beauty while making it inviting for readers to sift through for inspiration on important historic sites to visit. He also expertly lays out the gritty process of planning an intensive road trip, without shying away from some harsh travel realities—such as the pandemic’s impact on daily operations or the importance of understanding your own travel style prior to making elaborate plans. This guide is painstakingly detailed, offering more than some readers might need, but Hanrahan’s attention to minutiae will be welcomed by those desiring more comprehensive travel advice.
Hanrahan dedicates ample time to historically significant museums, buildings, monuments, and other sites, but perhaps the most impressive aspect is the incredibly specific and helpful pointers he provides about each location—including opening and closing hours, parking, descriptions of displays, and appropriateness for children. This impressive guide belongs on the shelves of historians, teachers, travelers, and any readers interested in taking a meaningful, life-changing trip through civil rights history.
Takeaway: An impressive guide that pairs travel advice with civil rights history, including must-visit locations and detailed suggestions.
Great for fans of: Deborah D. Douglas’s Moon U.S. Civil Rights Trail, Nikole Hannah-Jones’s The 1619 Project.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
“Those who journey in history’s footsteps will benefit from this
book whether they do it by car or from their armchair.…The book is packed with social, political, and cultural observations...This approach provides a ‘you are here’ feeling...
The lively tone of this sojourn invites even non-history readers to imbibe, creating an important survey that’s very highly recommended..."
Traveling Freedom’s Road has all that you need to hit the road. Combining solid history, practical guidance, and connections to local resources along the way, the book provides everything you need to visit our country’s most important civil rights sights. But Traveling Freedom’s Road is more than directions; it also provides a picture of the people and places that animated the movement. The snapshots are quick and compelling—once you read, you’ll want to hit the road!
“…what you have put together is outstanding.”
“For most of us there will be moments of “Aha!” or “I never knew that!” or even “Why haven’t I heard of this?” This enhanced guide will, if you allow it to, excite your spirit of inquiry, lead to growth in your fund of information, and provide a clearer picture of how the continuing battle for civil rights for all can help us form that more perfect union alluded to in our national narrative. … such a book is sorely needed!”
“…hope lots of people read your book.”
“Traveling Freedom’s Road is a must read. The physical and cultural landscape of civil rights historic sites and memory are rapidly changing. Hanrahan’s book provides the most up-to-date material to help travelers navigate this space. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about our country’s rich history.”
“This wonderful guide takes you on an adventure to must-see places and explains why they are important to the past and present…”
