Amtrak Brings 'Great Migration' Exhibit To D.C., Md.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Amtrak is opening a new exhibit at Washington's Union Station to recount the history of the "Great Migration" of Southern blacks moving to the North early in the 20th century.
Between 1915 and 1970, about 6 million African-Americans moved from the South to the North. Many left behind rural farm lives for job opportunities in industrialized cities. Many made the journey by passenger or freight train, which provided the connection for Amtrak.
The exhibit opens Monday near Gate B at Union Station and will remain on view through Sept. 26. The Washington Post reports it will then move to Baltimore's Penn Station for display through October.
Allen Ballard, a University of Albany history professor, consulted on the exhibit. Amtrak also called on museums and the Library of Congress.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
