Freedom Riders National Monument hosts 65th anniversary commemoration event of bus burning and attacks in Anniston, Alabama

Release Date: March 11, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

Anniston, AL - Freedom Riders National Monument will commemorate the 65th anniversary of the bus burning and attacks on Freedom Riders in Anniston, Alabama. This milestone event will commemorate those riders that were attacked here in Anniston, providing moments of reflection and education from park rangers and speakers.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, the day before Mother's Day. This date was chosen to echo the attacks on Mother's Day, May 14, 1961. Activities will start at 8 am and run until 12 pm at the Historic Greyhound Bus Depot located at 1031 Gurnee Avenue, Anniston, Alabama 36201. After a brief break, the event will continue from 1:30 PM to 4 PM at the Bus Burning Site located off Alabama Highway 202 at the intersection of Old Birmingham Highway. In the evening, a separate local event will be taking place from 5 PM to 8 PM at Zinn Park located on 14th Street in Anniston.

Administered by the National Park Service, Freedom Riders National Monument was established to preserve and commemorate the Freedom Riders, a small interracial group that challenged discriminatory laws requiring separation of the races in interstate travel in 1961. In Anniston, Alabama, the Freedom Riders were attacked by white segregationists who beat the riders and firebombed the bus just 6 miles outside of Anniston.

As the staff at Freedom Riders National Monument continues to plan this event, more updates will be forthcoming. Please check back on the event page for more details as we get closer to the event. www.nps.gov/frri/planyourvisit/65th-anniversary.htm

About the National Park Service
Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.