Montgomery, Alabama–long revered as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement–is poised to welcome a new cultural landmark at its downtown ballpark. Riverwalk Stadium, home of the Montgomery Biscuits, will soon house a permanent Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Annex, celebrating the history of Negro Leagues baseball and its pivotal role in shaping America’s journey toward equality.
Set to debut at the start of the Biscuits’ 2026 season, the exhibit is the product of a collaborative effort between the Montgomery Biscuits, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM), and the City of Montgomery. Together, they aim to frame the exhibit not just as baseball history, but as a compelling chapter in the broader narrative of civil rights.
“The new museum exhibit is a welcome addition to our city and Negro Leagues baseball is an important piece of Montgomery’s Civil Rights history,” Montgomery mayor Steven L. Reed said. “We look forward to welcoming fans and tourists to the ballpark as part of our historic Montgomery Civil Rights Tour.”
A Tribute to Players and Progress
The exhibit promises to be immersive, featuring memorabilia, plaques, murals, art installations, and digital storytelling. Highlighted will be legends such as Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Satchel Paige, towering figures who had deep ties to Alabama and to the Negro Leagues’ enduring legacy.
From immersive displays to digital archives, visitors will be greeted by the spirit of the game and its champions. By featuring storytelling and art alongside physical artifacts, the exhibit intends to connect with baseball enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike; creating a shared space of remembrance and education.
Riverwalk Stadium is more than just a ballpark; it occupies a site steeped in layers of history. Built into the remains of a Civil War–era train depot, the venue retains architectural details like brick walls and archways that echo the past. The exhibit will take up residence in that very train station–turned-ballpark, blending baseball heritage with civil rights history.
Its proximity to other Civil Rights landmarks–including The Legacy Museum, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, and the Rosa Parks Museum–makes the stadium a natural stop on the city’s renowned Civil Rights Tour. Mayor Steven L. Reed emphasized that the exhibit would enhance the city’s historical and educational appeal for both locals and tourists.
Moving the Mission Forward
For the NLBM, the partnership represents a strategic and emotional expansion beyond its Kansas City home base. As President Bob Kendrick noted, Montgomery’s status as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement makes it a profoundly fitting setting to illustrate how Negro Leagues baseball helped usher in social change.
Meanwhile, Lou DiBella, CEO of the Biscuits, expressed pride in illuminating Montgomery’s “rich baseball history” and in supporting the NLBM’s mission “to preserve and share stories that are essential to the American experience.” The Biscuits’ community-oriented brand, family-friendly marketing, and deep local roots align perfectly with the exhibit’s goals.
This exhibit goes beyond nostalgia; it educates. The Negro Leagues represent a critical intersection of America’s pastime and America’s ideals. Through the lens of baseball, the exhibit will explore themes of segregation, perseverance, resilience, and activism–a relevant narrative for today’s audiences.
By embedding these stories in a public sports venue, the Biscuits and their partners make access equitable: children, families, and casual fans who attend games or visit the stadium gain exposure to narratives often overlooked in standard baseball lore.
Montgomery’s Ballpark Becomes Gateway to Negro Leagues Legacy