51 Steps to Freedom

Date and Time

• Friday, Dec 5, 2025  12:01pm - 12:30pm

Location

Details

Washingtonians will start to have the unique chance to be transported back to a consequential moment in American history that sparked the Civil Rights movement — the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott.  

Supporters, students, historians and others will gather at Dupont Circle to mark the 70th anniversary of the boycott by downloading and accessing the 51 Steps to Freedom app that will allow users to explore the bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. It’s an act that received international attention and eventually led to the U.S. Supreme Court declaring bus segregation unconstitutional.   

51 Steps co-founder H.H. Leonards, who was a close friend of Mrs. Parks, says, “Dupont Circle is a perfect setting for this stop honoring Mrs. Parks on our groundbreaking interactive trail. She spent many years living near Dupont Circle at the O Museum in the Mansion and always enjoyed its vibrancy and history.” 

51 Steps to Freedom, a nonprofit, is building the augmented reality walking tour that’s transforming Washington, D.C., into “the world’s largest outdoor museum.” The name stands for ‘50 States, One Nation,’ and it will grow to include 51 locations (30 are live right now). 

The initiative promises to be a highlight of the America 250 celebration in the nation’s capital on July 4, 2026, as it brings the country’s history to life through music, art, immersive storytelling and cutting-edge technology.

 WHAT:                       

 Activation of Rosa Parks bus via augmented reality on 51 Steps to Freedom and its connection to Dupont Circle

 WHEN:           

Friday, Dec. 5

12:00 - 12:30 p.m.

 WHERE:

Dupont Circle Fountain

Intersection of P Street and 19th Streets NW

Following the event, O Museum in the Mansion will host a reception featuring Mrs. Parks’ beloved Girl Scout cookies as well as hot chocolate, hot coffee and hot tea. The location for the complementary event is 2020 O Street, NW, Washington, D.C.