Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South,1965
September 4 – November 8
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Price Varies
See Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South, 1965 at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center through November 8.
Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South, 1965 presents a compelling selection of 28 black-and-white photographs by renowned civil rights photographer Matt Herron. This exhibition documents the historic Selma to Montgomery March, a pivotal moment in American history that directly led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The images are sourced from an exhibit originally curated by Herron, who passed away in 2020, and are now part of the Freedom Center’s collection. The photographs will be accompanied by some of Herron’s personal effects, such as his leather camera bag and hip carrier. The exhibit also includes materials that educate on the immediate impact of the Voting Rights Act and the ongoing fight for voter equity today, featuring oral histories with foot soldiers collected by Foot Soldiers Park and interviews with local activists and changemakers.
By revisiting these images in 2026— during America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence —the exhibition encourages reflection on how far we’ve come and how far we still must go.
Admission to Witness to the Journey
Admission to Witness to the Journey is included with general admission. The exhibit is free for Members and on Fifth Third Community Days.
About the FotoFocus Biennial
Witness to the Journey is part of the 2026 FotoFocus Biennial: The Long View. Now in its eighth iteration, the Biennial activates over 70 exhibitions at museums, galleries, universities, and public spaces throughout Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Northern Kentucky in October 2026.
The 2026 FotoFocus Biennial theme, “The Long View,” considers aspects of time and perspective in photography and film, and how these mediums shape our understanding of the world.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Venue Details
Parking
The main museum entrance is on the first floor, facing the riverfront on East Freedom Way. An accessible public garage is adjacent to the museum, and limited, metered street parking is available nearby. Use Cincy EZ Park as appropriate. Arrive using Cincinnati METRO.
Accessibility
Visitors can access each floor of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center via elevator. Accessible restrooms are available on the first, third, and fourth floors of the museum. Wheelchairs and Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) can be rented from the front desk on a first-come, first-served basis. If you require accommodations or have questions about accessibility resources, please contact the Freedom Center in advance at accessible@nurfc.org.
Additional Downtown Excursions
Discover Black-owned businesses in downtown Cincinnati, from flavorful restaurants and sweet dessert spots to cozy coffee shops, stylish clothing boutiques, lively nightclubs, and more.
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Images provided by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
