Martin Luther King Sites In Atlanta Close Amid Federal Government Shutdown

Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and the visitor center at MLK National Historic Site in Atlanta closed amid the federal government shutdown.

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A notice at the top of the historic site’s website alerted visitors to the effects the government shutdown may have on some parks in the National Park System.

By Twitter and on its website, the King Center announced that, despite being in the historic district,  it is open and asked for an “expedient, humane conclusion to the government shutdown.”

The King Center is open! The Center is within the King Historic District & #MLK National Historic Park, but it is a separate entity. We welcome your visits as we pray & advocate for an expedient, humane conclusion to the government shutdown. #CHIP #DACA #MLK50Forward #Atlanta pic.twitter.com/IsBfyOhy5y

— The King Center (@TheKingCenter) January 22, 2018

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports a smattering of people wandered the MLK park’s grounds during the closures over the weekend. Freedom Hall, which is privately owned, remained open for visitors to take in exhibits about King, Rosa Parks and Gandhi, but employees said attendance had dropped dramatically for a Saturday.

Still, some were trying to make the best of what was their first visit to the historic site.

Aric Dupre, who traveled from Cincinnati for a weekend vacation with his wife, Kat, said they were disappointed. He says they have other plans, but their morning was shot.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park remained open Saturday. People were spotted jogging and climbing the mountain.

According to NPR, Senate leaders have scheduled a procedural vote for noon Monday on a bill to reopen the government and extend funding through Feb. 8.

WABE contributed to this report