"The Negro Motorist Green Book" was an essential traveling companion for African Americans the early to mid-20th century in America, directing them to businesses and services that served the black community. A new exhibition developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in collaboration with award-winning author, photographer and cultural documentarian Candacy Taylor will be on view at Irving Archives and Museum (IAM) through Jan. 8.

“The Green Book” was published and distributed nationwide from 1936 to 1967, providing African American travelers with information on restaurants, gas stations, department stores and other businesses that welcomed black travelers. In an era of Jim Crow laws and “sundown towns” - communities that explicitly prohibited African Americans from staying overnight - “The Green Book” offered critical, life-saving information and sanctuary.

In addition to the exhibit, the IAM has a number of special events planned to enhance a visitor's experience:

Through Jan. 8 | Regular Museum Hours
The Irving Black Arts Council (IBAC) exhibition "A Local Green Book" is on display at IAM and runs concurrently with the Green Book Exhibition

Sundays, through Jan. 8 | Noon to 4 p.m.
Free museum admission every Sunday

Thursday, Nov. 3 | 7 p.m.
Free film screening of “The Green Book: Guide to Freedom.”

Saturday, Nov. 5 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Remembering Black Dallas, Green Book Bus Tour. This bus tour takes travelers around the often-hidden history of Black Dallas.

Sunday, Nov. 6 | 2 to 4 p.m.
Irving Black Arts Council Panel Discussion: The Irving Black Arts Council will host a facilitated panel discussion of Bear Creek, Dallas and Fort Worth residents who lived during the Jim Crow era. Event is free.

Saturday, Nov. 12 | 2 p.m.
Scholar’s Talk with Dr. William Dulaney, president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Event is free.

Wednesday, Jan. 4 | 7 p.m.
Virtual screening of “The Green Book: Guide to Freedom.”

Saturday, Jan. 7 | 2 p.m.
Scholar’s Talk with Leslie Wolfenden, historic resources survey coordinator for the Texas Historical Commission.

Visit the IAM website for details on these events, as well as other exhibits and activities.

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