County Museum Plans Path Through History Celebration
This article originally appeared on the Chenango County Historical Society website.
The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) will host a special program on June 19, with several activities planned in celebration of Path Through History Weekend.
Beginning at 3:30 p.m., the “Routes & Roadblocks: The Black Motoring Experience” exhibition will be unveiled. This exhibit connects the history of Chenango County, the impact of the invention of the automobile, and the work of SUNY Oneonta Distinguished Professor Dr. Gretchen Sorin. Dr. Sorin is author of the book Driving While Black and producer of the PBS documentary “Driving While Black: Race, Space and Mobility in America.”
Curated by students from the Cooperstown Graduate Program (CGP) and generously supported by Golden Artist Colors, “Routes & Roadblocks” focuses on Chenango County’s history and the black motoring experience during the mid-20th century. The mass production of automobiles redefined travel and increased mobility within America. For the first time in history, people were able to travel at their own leisure. The development of the car meant that motorists could now access rural regions, such as Chenango County, that were previously out of the way. New roads and highways were constructed, which increased mobility, and businesses and commerce benefited across the nation. Cars held even more significance for African Americans, whose mobility had historically been restricted by legal and discriminatory methods. Outside of public transportation, the automobile provided an alternative avenue for Black travelers. Yet, personal vehicles also provided challenges for Black Americans, with unseen roadblocks persisting today. Read more...