Smithsonian Film Series — The Green Book: Guide to Freedom

Overview

The Smithsonian Film Series continues at the Strand 3 with "The Green Book: Guide to Freedom". This film explores the history and significance of the Negro Motorist Green Book, the travel guide that helped Black Americans navigate segregation during the Jim Crow era and became a powerful symbol of resilience, community, and safe passage.

Following the screening, Valeriya Woodard '25, Public History Post Baccalaureate, will share her research of black history at Grinnell College, which includes Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith '37, DHL '19, GHS '32. Free of charge and no RSVP required. Grinnell College, as a Smithsonian Affiliate, is offering a public film series, which features five more Smithsonian Channel films exploring different aspects of American life and history. Running through November 2026. Each screening will include collaboration with community partners, faculty, and staff to connect the films to local experiences, Iowa history, and the broader American story. The next showing will be on August 31.

Address & Contact

For more information, contact:

• Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research
• (641) 269-3900
• communityenhance@grinnell.edu