This month, the North Carolina Museum of History is providing family-centric online programs with a focus on the Green Book, a travel guide created for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era, and a look into social issues.
For nearly 30 years, the “Negro Motorist Green Book” provided a rundown of hotels, guest houses, service stations, drug stores, taverns, barber shops and restaurants that were known to be safe ports of call for African American travelers. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act finally banned racial segregation in restaurants, theaters, hotels, parks and other public places. Just two years later, the Green Book quietly ceased publication.
Learn more about the Green Book and its founder Victor Hugo Green during History Hunters: North Carolina and the Green Book, a virtual program on Feb. 17, and in person at the museum all this month. This is just one of several events celebrating Black history in February. Programs are free unless otherwise noted, however advance registration, at NCMOH-programs.com, is required.
History Corner: Charlotte Hawkins Brown—Dreamer-Doer-Teacher-Leader!
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 1–2 p.m., ages 6–9
Math and manners as weapons? Take a lesson from Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown, who started a school and taught her students ways to change a segregated society. Parents are invited to participate with their children during the program
History Hunters: North Carolina and the Green Book
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 1–2 p.m., ages 10–13
Come along on our virtual trip through a history of the Green Book, a guide that helped African Americans forge ways around segregation. If you can make it, view a copy of the Green Book at the museum.
Coffee with a Curator: Paint, Plywood, and Passion: Greensboro Artists Reflect on Their #BlackLivesMatter Murals
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 10–10:30 a.m. via Zoom
In the summer of 2020, as a melting pot of people overflowed onto the streets of Greensboro — marching in solidarity against police brutality and systemic racism — local artists hastily gathered paint supplies. Michael Ausbon, the museum’s curator of decorative arts, will lead a short discussion with some of these artists as they share their experiences. This 20-minute program will be followed a Q&A session.
History and Highballs: Oysterman’s Calling
Thursday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m. via Zoom, adults only, please
Ryan Bethea, a native North Carolinian, will talk with us about sustainable oyster farming, the impact and importance of eating locally, and the journey that led him to start his own award-winning business, Oysters Carolina, on Harker’s Island.
Stay up to date on all events and exhibits at the museum website, ncmuseumofhistory.org, and follow the museum on social media for updates and additional programs.
