"It really is a stunning exhibition both in terms of its brilliant design and incredibly moving and relevant content. We have heard nothing but positive comments from our visitors. The exhibition has certainly helped raise awareness of the museum and demonstrate our commitment to telling our collective history."

- Jennifer Landry, Director of Museums, City of Irving, Texas

The Negro Motorist Green Book was created for African American travelers in 1936 during a time when automobile travel symbolized freedom in America. The Green Book provided critical, information on hotels, restaurants, service station, and other facilities. In the era of Jim Crow and "sundown towns," this knowledge was not just helpful--it could be lifesaving.

The Smithsonian brings this story to life with the exhibition The Negro Motorist Green Book. Visitors are transported back to a time when, if you were Black and embraced the ideal of the American road trip, it took bravery and a Green Book to cross the country safely. Presented within an immersive structure, original objects from Green Book businesses, as well as historical and contemporary images of Green Book sites and a touchscreen interactive convey the harsh reality of travel for Black people in mid-century America and the vibrant parallel world of African American-friendly businesses that supported this travel.

The exhibition is curated by Candacy Taylor, one of the nation’s leading Green Book scholars and an award-winning author, photographer, and documentarian.

Visit The Negro Motorist Green Book Website to explore the virtual exhibition and more!