It’s been more than 40 years since the Selma to Montgomery march helped change our country.

Now, the National Park Service will help commemorate the historic event with the grand opening of the Lowndes County Interpretive Center, set for this Saturday.

A ribbon cutting will be held at 10 a.m. at the center, which is located along “scenic Highway 80” in White Hall.

The facility is one of three interpretive centers that will eventually adorn the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail.

The Lowndes County building will serve as

a rest stop/welcome center and museum, commemorating the journey civil rights marchers embarked upon in March 1965.

Throughout the building, architects attempted to capture the moment in time when civil rights leaders met, then took action that culminated in the passage of the Voting Rights legislation.

There will be many activities set for Saturday, but the most appealing aspect of the grand opening is the opportunity to see the interpretive gallery space, walking trail on the grounds and the building itself.

This facility is just the first step.

Eventually, tourists will come to Selma, White Hall and Montgomery to better understand the Civil Rights Movement, and in particular the march from Selma to Montgomery.