A special presentation scheduled on February 8 will focus on historic local businesses listed in “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” a publication which listed businesses that served African Americans during the Jim Crow era. This lecture will take place on Saturday, February 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Essex Public Library, located at 117 North Church Lane in Tappahannock.

Published annually from 1936 to 1966, The Green Book enabled African-American travelers to find lodging, restaurants, and other businesses that would serve them along the road.

Representatives from the Fairfield Foundation and architectural historian Susan Hellman will share their research about Green Book businesses in our region.

Those who are familiar with any of the following local businesses are invited to attend the presentation and share their recollections:

• Middlesex County: Oliver’s Restaurant and Texaco Station at Jamaica; G. L. Davis Service Station and Midway Auto Repair at Stormont.
• Essex County: Mark Haven Beach at Center Cross; Sessons Tavern at Caret; McGuire’s Inn, Harris’ Grill, and Way Side Inn at Tappahannock.
• West Point: White’s Restaurant and Barber Shop, Morton’s Restaurant, and Jordan’s Enterprises.
• Gloucester: W.J. Stokes Restaurant, Watkins Motel, and Watkins Florist.

This event is sponsored by Essex Public Library, The Fairfield Foundation, and Middle Peninsula African-American Genealogical and Historical Society.

For more information, call Essex Public Library at (804) 443-4945