Step into history with "The Negro Motorist Green Book" exhibition, a captivating exploration of the iconic guide created in 1936 by Harlem postman Victor Green. This annual publication was a lifeline for African American travelers during the era of Jim Crow, providing in- valuable information on welcoming restaurants, gas stations, department stores, and other businesses. Developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in collaboration with the acclaimed author, photographer, and cultural documentarian, Candacy Taylor, this exhibition is made possible through the generous support of Exxon Mobil Corporation. Join us at the Holocaust Museum Houston's Josef and Edith Mincberg Gallery from September 1 through November 26, 2023, as we dive into this essential chapter of African American history.

Unveiling The Green Book's Impact

"The Negro Motorist Green Book" offers an immersive journey into the realities of travel for African Americans in mid-century America. It shines a light on how this annual guide became an indispensable resource for the nation's emerging African American middle class. This exhibition will showcase a rich array of artifacts, from business signs and postcards to historic footage, images, and first-hand accounts. Through these elements, visitors will experience the apprehension faced by African American travelers and the remarkable resilience, innovation, and elegance of those who chose to embrace a complete American existence.

This exhibition isn't just about the challenges; it's about celebrating a vibrant parallel world of African American businesses and the ascent of the black leisure class in the United States. "The Green Book" played a pivotal role in facilitating the second wave of the Great Migration, a critical moment in American history.

A Beacon of Hope In A Segregated ERA

Published and distributed nationwide until 1967, "The Green Book" was a beacon of hope for African American travelers. In an era of Jim Crow laws and "sundown towns"—places that explicitly prohibited African Americans from staying overnight-this guide provided essential, life-saving information and sanctuary.

"The Negro Motorist Green Book" is a testament to the resilience of a community that thrived against all odds. It's an essential exhibition for anyone interested in African American history, showcasing a piece of our past that continues to resonate in today's world. Join us on this enlighten- ing journey through time and discover the legacy of "The Green Book."

September 1, 2023 — November 26, 2023

Josef and Edith Mincberg Gallery

M: Closed T-W: 10am to 5 pm Th: 10ma to 8pm F-Sa: 10an to 5pm Su: Noon to 5pm

For more info, visit www.hmh.org