The National Center for Civil and Human Rights expands at a critical moment in U.S. history

ATLANTA (AP) — A popular museum in Atlanta is expanding at a critical moment in the United States — and unlike , the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is privately funded, putting it beyond the immediate reach of about their history.

The monthslong renovation, which cost nearly $60 million, adds six new galleries as well as classrooms and interactive experiences, changing a relatively static museum into a dynamic place where people are encouraged to take action supporting civil and human rights, racial justice and the future of democracy, said Jill Savitt, the center's president and CEO.