How to Tour Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement

The Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement (MACE) is a dynamic institution dedicated to fostering informed, active, and responsible citizenship through education, community dialogue, and participatory governance. Located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, MACE serves as a vital hub for residents, students, educators, and civic leaders seeking to deepen their understanding of local democracy, public policy, and community-driven change. While many are aware of its mission, few know how to properly tour the facility to maximize educational value, connect with staff, and engage meaningfully with its programs. This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of planning, executing, and reflecting on a tour of the Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement whether youre a student, educator, community organizer, or curious visitor.

Unlike traditional museums or government buildings, MACE is not a passive exhibit space. It is a living classroom where civic theory meets real-world practice. A well-planned tour allows you to witness how civic engagement is cultivated through interactive exhibits, town hall simulations, youth leadership workshops, and archival displays of Memphiss civil rights legacy. Understanding how to navigate this space intentionally transforms a simple visit into a transformative experience.

This guide is designed to be your definitive resource. It provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap to ensure your tour is informative, respectful, and impactful. Well cover logistical planning, behavioral best practices, digital tools to enhance your visit, real-world examples of successful tours, and answers to frequently asked questions. By the end, youll know not just how to tour MACE but how to leave with a deeper connection to civic life in Memphis and beyond.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research the Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement Before You Visit

Before setting foot on campus, invest time in understanding MACEs mission, history, and current programming. Start by visiting the official website: www.memphiscivicacademy.org. Here, youll find detailed descriptions of exhibits, upcoming events, and educational initiatives. Pay particular attention to the About Us section, which outlines the academys founding in 2010 as a partnership between the University of Memphis, the City of Memphis, and local nonprofit organizations.

Review their current exhibition calendar. MACE rotates exhibits quarterly, often highlighting themes such as voting rights in the South, youth civic leadership, or the impact of local ordinances on neighborhood development. Knowing which exhibit is active during your visit allows you to tailor your questions and focus your observations.

Also, read recent press coverage or community testimonials. Local newspapers like The Commercial Appeal and community blogs often feature interviews with MACE staff or student participants. This background knowledge helps you engage more meaningfully with docents and avoids redundant questions.

Step 2: Determine Your Group Type and Purpose

MACE welcomes individuals, families, school groups, university classes, faith-based organizations, and professional associations. Your group type determines the structure of your tour and the resources available to you.

Individuals or small families: You may join a public tour, which typically runs on Saturdays at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. No reservation is required, but arrival 15 minutes early is recommended.

School groups (K12): Educators must submit a group request form at least two weeks in advance. MACE offers curriculum-aligned tours that align with Tennessee state standards in social studies and civics. Tours for middle and high school students include guided discussions on the 1968 Sanitation Workers Strike and its legacy in modern activism.

University or professional groups: These tours can be customized to focus on public policy analysis, community organizing models, or civic technology. Contact the Education Coordinator directly via the websites inquiry form to arrange a tailored experience.

Always clarify your purpose: Are you seeking historical context? Leadership development insights? Or inspiration for launching a local initiative? Your intent shapes the depth and direction of your tour.

Step 3: Schedule Your Tour

Public tours require no reservation, but group tours must be scheduled in advance. To book:

1. Visit www.memphiscivicacademy.org/tours
2. Select your group type from the dropdown menu
3. Choose your preferred date and time slot
4. Provide contact information, group size, and educational objectives
5. Submit the form

You will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours. If your preferred date is unavailable, MACE typically offers alternative dates within two weeks. For large groups (15+ people), consider scheduling during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.

Important: Tours are not available on federal holidays, during major city events like the Beale Street Music Festival, or during internal staff training periods. Always check the calendar on the website before finalizing plans.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Visit

On the day of your tour, arrive at least 15 minutes early. The Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement is located at 1200 North Main Street, Memphis, TN 38107. Parking is free and available in the lot behind the building, accessible via the alley off of Lauderdale Street. Public transit options include the MATA bus lines 12 and 18, which stop within a five-minute walk.

What to bring:

• Photo ID (required for all visitors over 18)
• Notepad and pen (digital devices are permitted but discouraged during guided segments to encourage presence)
• Water bottle (hydration stations are available)
• Comfortable walking shoes (the tour involves moving between three distinct zones: the Historical Wing, the Civic Lab, and the Community Forum)

Dress code is casual but respectful. Avoid clothing with offensive slogans or political imagery unless it relates directly to your educational purpose. MACE encourages visitors to reflect the tone of civic dialogue thoughtful, inclusive, and open-minded.

Step 5: During the Tour What to Expect

A typical tour lasts 75 to 90 minutes and is led by a trained Civic Guide often a graduate of MACEs Civic Leadership Fellowship program. The tour is divided into three core sections:

Section 1: The Historical Wing

This space chronicles Memphiss role in the Civil Rights Movement, with original documents from the 19551968 era, oral histories from sanitation workers, and multimedia installations featuring footage of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s final days in the city. Your guide will pause at key artifacts such as the original bus boycott pamphlets or the typewriter used by local journalists to report on police brutality and invite reflection on how media and grassroots organizing intersected.

Section 2: The Civic Lab

Here, youll encounter interactive stations where visitors can simulate city council debates, draft mock ordinances, or use data visualization tools to explore neighborhood-level disparities in public services. This is the only area where visitors are encouraged to use tablets provided by MACE to engage with digital simulations. Your guide may invite you to participate in a 10-minute scenario for example, You are a city council member. How would you allocate $500,000 to reduce food deserts in North Memphis?

Section 3: The Community Forum

The final stop is a replica of the actual community meeting room where residents, city officials, and nonprofit leaders convene monthly. Youll hear recordings of past public hearings and may even watch a live-streamed session if one is occurring during your visit. This space emphasizes transparency youll learn how to access public meeting agendas, submit comments, and track policy outcomes.

Throughout the tour, questions are not only welcomed they are expected. Dont hesitate to ask why certain artifacts were chosen, how decisions are made about exhibit content, or how youth participants are selected for leadership roles.

Step 6: Post-Tour Engagement

A tour of MACE doesnt end when you leave the building. The real value comes from what you do afterward.

First, complete the optional post-tour reflection form emailed to you within 24 hours. This helps MACE improve programming and may connect you with future opportunities such as volunteering, attending a civic workshop, or joining a youth advisory board.

Second, share your experience. Write a short blog post, post on social media using the hashtag

MyMACEVisit, or discuss the tour with your class or organization. MACE tracks engagement metrics and values community amplification.

Third, explore their online resources. MACE offers free downloadable lesson plans, podcast episodes featuring local activists, and a digital archive of public meeting transcripts. These materials extend your learning beyond the physical space.

Best Practices

Respect the Space as a Living Institution

MACE is not a museum where artifacts are preserved behind glass with no context. It is an active civic laboratory. Staff, interns, and community members are often working in the background drafting proposals, training volunteers, or recording interviews. Avoid loud conversations, phone calls, or photography in non-designated areas. When in doubt, ask your guide: Is it okay to record this?

Engage, Dont Observe

Passive observation diminishes the experience. The Civic Lab was designed for interaction. Even if youre not comfortable speaking in front of a group, engage with the touchscreens, read the prompts, and reflect on the questions posed. Your internal dialogue is part of the learning process.

Ask Thoughtful, Open-Ended Questions

Instead of asking, When was this building built? try: What inspired the design of this space to encourage dialogue between citizens and officials? Open-ended questions invite deeper storytelling and reveal the institutions philosophy.

Be Mindful of Emotional Content

Some exhibits particularly those detailing police violence, racial segregation, or economic disenfranchisement may be emotionally heavy. Its okay to feel discomfort. If you or someone in your group becomes overwhelmed, notify a staff member. Quiet spaces are available for reflection, and trained counselors are on call during school group visits.

Follow the Three Cs Rule

Every visitor is encouraged to embody the Three Cs:

• Curiosity: Ask questions, even if they seem basic.
• Compassion: Recognize that many stories shared here are personal and painful.
• Commitment: Leave with at least one action step whether its attending a city council meeting, writing to a representative, or starting a civic discussion at home.

Respect the Diversity of Voices

MACE intentionally amplifies marginalized narratives including those of Black, Latino, LGBTQ+, and low-income residents. Avoid centering your own perspective. Listen more than you speak. If youre part of a dominant group, use your presence to uplift others stories, not to dominate the conversation.

Do Not Bring Food or Beverages (Except Water)

Food and drinks (other than water) are prohibited to protect archival materials and digital equipment. If you need to eat, use the picnic tables outside the building or visit the nearby community caf, The Civic Bite, which partners with MACE to serve locally sourced meals.

Leave No Trace

Whether youre using a tablet in the Civic Lab or writing in a notebook, ensure you leave everything as you found it. Return tablets to charging stations, place used pens in designated holders, and avoid marking on surfaces. This preserves the integrity of the space for future visitors.

Tools and Resources

Official MACE Digital Platform

The MACE Digital Hub is a comprehensive resource portal accessible 24/7. It includes:

• Virtual 360 tour of the facility
• Archived recordings of past public forums
• Downloadable civic engagement toolkits (e.g., How to Start a Neighborhood Watch, Understanding Your City Budget)
• Interactive timeline of Memphiss civic milestones

These resources are invaluable for educators preparing pre-tour lessons or individuals unable to visit in person.

Mobile App: CivicPath

Download the free CivicPath app (iOS and Android) to enhance your on-site experience. The app provides:

• Audio guides in English, Spanish, and Arabic
• Real-time alerts for live events happening in the Community Forum
• A scavenger hunt feature for student groups
• Quick access to contact information for local elected officials

Use the apps My Journey feature to save exhibits that resonate with you and generate a personalized reflection prompt after your visit.

Educator Resources

Teachers can access the MACE Educator Network, a private portal with:

• Standards-aligned lesson plans (aligned with Common Core and Tennessee Social Studies Standards)
• Pre- and post-tour assessment tools
• Professional development webinars on teaching civic engagement
• Grants for classroom civic projects

To join, email education@memphiscivicacademy.org with your school affiliation and teaching subject.

Community Partnerships

MACE collaborates with over 40 local organizations. These partnerships enhance your tour experience:

• Memphis Public Libraries: Free access to MACEs digital archives through any branch library card.
• University of Memphis Department of Political Science: Joint research projects and student internships.
• Memphis Youth Council: Opportunities for teens to co-lead tours or design exhibits.
• Local Arts Collectives: Rotating installations featuring murals, poetry, and spoken word inspired by civic themes.

Ask your guide for a list of current partners many offer free workshops or events you can attend after your tour.

Accessibility Tools

MACE is fully ADA-compliant and offers:

• Wheelchair-accessible pathways and restrooms
• Assistive listening devices for hearing-impaired visitors
• Large-print and braille versions of all exhibit text
• Visual storytelling guides for neurodiverse visitors
• Quiet rooms for sensory regulation

Request accommodations when scheduling your tour. Staff are trained to tailor experiences to individual needs.

Real Examples

Example 1: High School Civics Class from Booker T. Washington High

In spring 2023, a 12th-grade civics class from Booker T. Washington High visited MACE as part of their Civic Action Project. Before the tour, students studied the 1968 sanitation strike. During the visit, they participated in a simulation where they had to draft a city ordinance to increase bus route frequency in underserved neighborhoods.

Afterward, they partnered with a local nonprofit to collect 300 signatures from residents and presented their proposal at a city council meeting. Their ordinance was adopted as a pilot program. The teacher later wrote: MACE didnt just teach civics it gave students the tools to practice it.

Example 2: Retired Teacher from Arkansas on a Solo Visit

Martha R., age 72, traveled from Little Rock to Memphis to learn more about the civil rights movement. She joined a public Saturday tour and spent extra time in the Historical Wing, reading oral histories from sanitation workers. She was moved by the story of Echol Cole, one of the two workers whose deaths sparked the strike.

After the tour, she contacted MACEs archivist and donated her late husbands 1960s-era newspaper clippings on racial justice. Those clippings are now part of a permanent exhibit. Martha returned six months later to volunteer as a tour assistant, helping guide other older adults through the space.

Example 3: University Research Team Studying Civic Tech

A group of five graduate students from the University of Tennessee studied how civic engagement platforms influence voter turnout. They arranged a private tour focused on MACEs use of digital tools in community decision-making.

They interviewed staff, observed the Civic Lab simulations, and analyzed data from the apps usage logs. Their resulting paper, Digital Interfaces as Democratic Catalysts: Lessons from Memphis, was published in the Journal of Urban Civic Innovation and cited in two federal policy briefs.

Example 4: Faith-Based Group from New Testament Church

A congregation of 20 members visited MACE to better understand systemic poverty and how their church could respond. The tour included a session on economic justice, where they explored data on food insecurity in Shelby County.

Two weeks later, the church launched a monthly food distribution program in partnership with MACEs Community Outreach Division. They now host a Civic & Faith Dialogue series at the academy every quarter.

Example 5: International Visitor from Ghana

A university professor from Accra, Ghana, visited MACE as part of a global civic education exchange program. She was particularly interested in how Memphis, a city with a history of racial tension, had institutionalized civic dialogue.

She interviewed students, observed a youth-led town hall, and recorded her reflections. Upon returning home, she adapted MACEs Civic Lab model for her own university, creating a simulation-based course on participatory budgeting in Ghanaian municipalities.

FAQs

Can I visit MACE without scheduling a tour?

Yes. The main lobby and Historical Wing are open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, without a reservation. However, guided tours provide context, access to restricted areas like the Civic Lab, and opportunities to interact with staff. For a full experience, we strongly recommend booking a tour.

Is there a fee to tour the Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement?

No. All tours and resources at MACE are free of charge. The academy is funded by municipal grants, private foundations, and community donations. Donations are welcome but never required.

Are children allowed on tours?

Yes. Children of all ages are welcome. For children under 10, we recommend a private family tour to ensure pacing is appropriate. MACE provides activity sheets for younger visitors and has a dedicated play-and-learn corner in the lobby with civic-themed puzzles and books.

How long does a typical tour last?

Most tours last between 75 and 90 minutes. Custom tours for university or professional groups may extend to two hours. Please plan accordingly.

Can I bring my camera or phone?

Yes, photography is permitted in designated areas. Flash photography and tripods are prohibited to protect artifacts. In the Civic Lab, you may photograph the screens you interact with, but not other visitors without their permission.

Do I need to be a Memphis resident to tour MACE?

No. MACE welcomes visitors from all over the world. Many international educators, journalists, and activists visit to study Memphiss model of civic engagement.

What if I have mobility challenges?

MACE is fully accessible. Wheelchair users can navigate all areas without assistance. If you require additional accommodations such as a sign language interpreter or sensory-friendly materials please notify us when scheduling your tour.

Can I volunteer at MACE after my tour?

Absolutely. MACE relies on volunteers for tour guiding, event support, digital archiving, and youth mentoring. Visit the Get Involved page on their website to apply. No prior experience is required only a commitment to civic values.

Is there Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building under the network name MACE_Public.

Can I host my own event at MACE?

Yes, community groups may reserve the Community Forum for public meetings, forums, or workshops. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must align with MACEs mission of inclusive civic participation. Submit a request via the websites Rent the Forum form.

Conclusion

Touring the Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement is more than a field trip or a tourist activity it is an act of civic participation in itself. By walking through its halls, engaging with its exhibits, and listening to its stories, you become part of a continuum of people who have sought to make democracy more responsive, equitable, and alive.

This guide has provided you with a detailed, actionable roadmap to ensure your visit is not only smooth and well-organized, but also deeply meaningful. From researching exhibits to reflecting on your post-tour actions, every step is designed to deepen your connection to the civic fabric of Memphis and to inspire you to carry that energy into your own community.

Remember: Civic engagement is not a spectator sport. The exhibits at MACE are not relics of the past they are blueprints for the future. The questions you ask, the conversations you start, and the actions you take after your tour are what give this place its enduring power.

So plan your visit. Ask the hard questions. Listen with an open heart. And leave not just with memories but with a commitment to act.

The Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement is waiting not to show you a display, but to invite you into the work.