Updated: 9/20/2017 
Jesse Owens Museum
Danville, Alabama
Description

In the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin, a single man captured the attention of the world, winning 4 gold medals, an Olympic first. Sixty years later, thousands gathered to honor this man with the dedication of a park named in his honor, the Jesse Owens Memorial Park. Dedicated on June 29, 1996 with the arrival of the Olympic torch on its journey to the Atlanta games, the Jesse Owens Memorial Park is a tribute to the Olympic track and field superstar.

The Jesse Owens Memorial Park Museum immortalizes Owens' memory by depicting the moments that made Owens great and portraying the people who shaped him as an athlete and as a man. Glass display cases showcase rare memorabilia including programs from the 1936 Olympics, replicas of track uniforms and shoes, and medals and trophies from Owens' high school days. In addition, the museum offers visitors interactive kiosks that highlight Owens' life and accomplishments.

The museum's mini-theater shows the movie "Return to Berlin" in which Owens narrates the 1936 Olympics. Visitors can follow the larger-than-life panel displays throughout the museum that depict Owens' life beginning in Oakville, Alabama to his death in 1980. The panel displays highlight Owens' athletic accomplishments as well as his humanitarian efforts.

For those interested in learning more about the life of Jesse Owens, the museum offers The Decatur Daily Resource Center. Equipped with computers and printers, the center allows visitors to do their own research of this Olympic gold medalist.

Library

Access: General Public, Students, Scholars

Appointment required: False

Services
The Store

The store is located inside the museum and offers a variety of souvenirs and educational materials. Visitors can purchase an assortment of books and DVD’s about Jesse Owens’ life and his accomplishments. Also available are Jesse Owens Memorial Park logo clothing, pencils, bookmarks, caps, Jesse Owens’ authentic postage stamp key chains and bookmarks, mugs inscribed with Jesse Owens’ quotes, rulers, cookbooks, Christmas ornaments, posters and more.

For that special gift or souvenir, there are a limited number of signed Authentic Bronze Souvenir pieces from the sculpting of the Jesse Owens statue. A popular poster of Jesse Owens taken at the 1936 Olympics by Leni Riefenstahl, Hitler’s photographer and filmmaker is available both framed and unframed.

Your next family, church or social event

In the spirit of investing in the community, the Jesse Owens Memorial Park offers a wide range of on-site community resources. The park provides a playground, baseball/softball fields and basketball court for visitors and Lawrence County residents to enjoy. Picnic tables and pavilions skirt the playing fields and playground. The Jesse Owens Memorial Park & Museum would be ideal for your next family, church or social event.

Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
DISCLAIMER
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