The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 W. Walnut St., Allentown, will commemorate the birthday of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by holding a special slide-lecture program and birthday party at the museum at 1 p.m. on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“This is a program for all people,” said Joseph Garrera, executive director of the museum.

“We’ve placed Dr. King at the pinnacle because, despite facing challenges and crippling discrimination, King remained focused on nonviolence. He is a hero to America and free people everywhere around the world.”

According to Garrera, King’s words speak to America today, preaching nonviolence and tolerance.

The slideshow program, titled “March to Freedom: The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.,” will use historical images and accounts to explore King’s inspirational rise to historical prominence.

King is revered worldwide as an apostle of nonviolent resistance.

In 1959 he visited th

e family of Mahatma Gandhi, proclaiming on his last day in India, “I am more convinced than ever before that the method of nonviolent resistance is the most potent weapon available to oppressed people ...”

King’s life of reconciliation and nonviolence remains a stirring example to people around the world.

The museum’s galleries, which are normally closed on Mondays, will be open special hours from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.

The research library will remain closed.

Admission is free to members. There is a fee for nonmembers.