The Green Book was a guide created by and for African Americans in the 1930’s through the 1960’s. It identified safe places to find amenities when traveling – such as restaurants, beaches, and hotels. It included 103 sites in Maryland, including spots in Southern Maryland such as the Shirley K Hotel in Coltons Point, the Blue Star Hotel in Newburg, the Violet Bell Hotel in Benedict, and the Blue Bird Restaurant and Blue Jay Motel in Waldorf.