Kalamazoo County Historical Society

Michigan Places in the "Negro Motorist Green Book"

Come learn about local history at the monthly meeting of the Kalamazoo County Historical Society. Speakers are invited to present on topics relating to Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan.

"The Green Book" as it was commonly called, was a travel guide for African-American motorists listing places where African Americans were welcomed customers, so they could "vacation without aggravation." Christine Byron will give an overview of the history of the Green Book, started by Victor Green, and focus on places in Michigan that were listed in the travel guide from 1938 through 1966/67. Some places, like Idlewild and Detroit, were well-known for the African-American communities, and had mulitple listings. Other places, like Bitely and Paw Paw, had only a few listings. Some surprises like Bay Shore were fascinating discoveries. As a historian of Michigan tourism, Byron will take you on a journey back to a time when Black travelers were advised to "carry your Green Book with you...you may need it."

Speaker's bio

Christine Byron retired from her position as the Local Historical Collections librarian at the Grand Rapids Public Library. She is an avid reader of Michigan history and has collected old Michigan travel and tourist memorabilia for over thirty years. Her interest in tourism led her to research Michigan places that were listed in the Green Book. Christine serves on the boards of Grand Rapids Historical Commission and the Michigan Postcard Club. She is a member of the selection committee for Michigan Notable Books through the Library of Michigan, as well as the selection committee for the annual michgian Author Award, given by the LIbrary of Michigan. She and her husband, Tom Wilson, have co-authored five award-winning books in their "Vintage Views" series on the history of Michigan tourism. "Historic Leelanau" is their sixth book. Christine and Tom operate a business creating prints from old Michigan and Green Lakes tourist and travel ephemera. 

Meetings of the Kalamazoo County Historical Society are held on the lower level of the library on the first Monday of the month from October through May (with the exception of January). Attendance is free.

If you want to know more about this local organization, please visit their website.

Accommodations:
All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Steve Rossio at 269-585-8741 in advance of your visit.

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