The Center for Community Arts History Committee and friends toured the Routes of Black Travel: The Green Book in Cape May and Wildwood exhibit at Cape May MAC with Steven Olszewski who curated the show. He selected photos and objects from the CCA’s Nash Archives and committee members reviewed the text for accuracy. CCA and MAC have partnered on an annual exhibit since the late 1990s.
Photo left to right: Joyce Gooch, Gene Dempsey, Hope Gaines, Steven Olszewski, Emily Dempsey, Yvonne Weight-Gary, Wanda Evelyn and Rachel Dolhanczyk.
Open selected dates: January 18-March 23, 2025
The Negro Motorist Green Book, later renamed the Negro Travelers’ Green Book, was an annual guidebook that gave African American travelers essential information about safe places to stay, dine, and obtain services while traveling in the segregated United States during the Jim Crow era. Jim Crow laws forced racial segregation and lasted close to 100 years until 1968, and were enforced harshly, often with violence. The Green Book and similar publications helped keep Black Americans safe and provided them with some measure of freedom to travel. Learn how Esso stations created safe havens for Black motorists to fill their gas tanks and how hotels such as the Banneker House, the Hotel Dale, and Richardson’s Hotel, among others in Cape May, along with guest houses in Wildwood, gave Black visitors safe spaces to relax at the seaside on holiday or for business.
Free admission.
Carroll Gallery
The Carroll Gallery is home to changing exhibits that bring Cape May's history to life throughout the year. Visit scenes from the Victorian era or explore Cape May’s African American heritage; reminisce on years past or become a kid again when the Gallery becomes a holiday wonderland.
The Carroll Gallery is located in the Carriage House, on the grounds of the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. The building is the first one on the left-hand side as you come in the driveway. The Carriage House also has a Vintage restaurant and our Carriage House Museum Shop.
More information:: capemaymac.org/experience/carroll-gallery